Race the USA Virtual 10k - Los Angeles, CA

Vast geographical expanse filled with beaches, hills, and canyons, and with the country’s second biggest population, Los Angeles (LA) reminds everyone of the sun. With consistent sunny weather and perfect temperature, it is a tourist’s summer paradise and an amazing ambiance for runners. With trails along a variety of landscapes, runners can design many a fun 5K run in Los Angeles with challenging trails and amazing views to work for. You can even participate in the famous Race the USA Virtual 10K Run Series. That said, let’s look at some of these iconic trails!

Beach routes:

Routes like the Ballona Creek trail start off at the wetlands preserve at Lincoln Boulevard with an ambiance of wildlife and vistas and connects with the Santa Monica Beach. For a full 5K run in Los Angeles beaches, the Manhattan to Redondo Beach with a woody path beside Ocean Avenue is the one for you! Stand on the famous 1 mile long “Strand” that overlooks the beach! If you prefer an urban sports trail, then the Santa Monica to Venice beach route starting at the Santa Monica pier is an option. The route includes skateparks and many outdoor basketball courts. The Palos Verdes Peninsula is a large area with multiple possible routes if you like changing it up. Finally, the Zuma beach in Malibu offers a short run of 1.5 miles on sand that’s nice to run on.

Canyons and Park routes:

For scenic views, picnic spots, star gazing lie downs, memorials and green trails, nothing beats Parks like Pallisades, Griffith, and Elysian. Due to their large areas, one can design many running routes from start to finish at these parks. This is true especially of the Griffith Park, the United States’ largest municipal park that stretches 4000 acres. Its routes take you by the Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Zoo. If rugged and steep trails are your thing then Canyon routes are the best. In LA, this includes the Runyon Canyon park that offers a view of the LA basin, sunset strip and the Hollywood sign; and the Malibu Canyons that go up to 5000ft above sea level.  Tailor your 5k run Los Angeles to your needs using these pointers.

Boulevards and Drives:

While one would usually abstain from running busy streets (like the Hollywood Boulevard), LA hosts some runnable Boulevards that take you through trendy restaurants, clubs, theaters and concert venues. Routes like the Wilshire Boulevard also give us a view of the LA skyline. Additionally, it also marks the start of The Hollywood Tour route from Beverly Hills to South Robertson Drive. Finally, there is the famous Sunset Boulevard which plays center stage in many musicals and movies. For those looking for some greenery in their 5K run, the San Vincente Boulevard in Brentwood, near Santa Monica offers a green and relaxed atmosphere.

With Hotels and running stores in every major part of Los Angeles, planning your long runs is stress-free. If you are looking to take part in professional events, LA hosts some major ones like the Race the USA Virtual 5K Run Series, Los Angeles marathon, the 5k Los Angeles run, Rock-n-Roll LA and the Redondo 10K Super Bowl run. LA awaits you!