My experience as a first-time runner in the Los Angeles Marathon 2025

For many years, I have wanted to run a marathon. My dream finally became a reality this past Sunday when I was one of 26,000 runners in the 40th edition of the Los Angeles Marathon from Dodger Stadium to Culver City. 

The 26.2-mile stretch was closed to traffic, and for a few hours, it belonged to pedestrians. The scenery along the route was spectacular and because we were the main attraction. About 40% of all participants, including myself, were running a marathon for the first time. 

I arrived at Dodger Stadium with my group about two hours before the start time. Once there, I patiently waited in the 45-degree weather. I was advised to take some old clothes to stay warm while waiting and get rid of them at the start line. The thousands of garments left behind are donated to nonprofits.

From the moment the race starts, there is a whirlwind of emotions. It is incredible to be surrounded by thousands of strangers–and some friends–sharing the same goal of making it to the finish line. 

As we were leaving the Dodger Stadium, there was no turning back. The cold weather was replaced by the excitement of a sea of runners.

Entertainment non-stop

It was very beautiful to see many fans on the sidewalks with signs, music and megaphones. The celebratory ambiance energized us.  As we entered Chinatown, the iconic dragons danced to the drumming. Then, by mile four, there was the only steep hill by the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Unless you are a pro, it is recommended to walk to save energy. It was a good short moment to enjoy the Japanese taiko drumming ensemble.

At about mile seven in Echo Park, we heard Mexican music and saw fans holding up Mexican flags. 

Along the route, I saw people running barefoot, a man in his Azteca outfit, another one carrying a boombox in a wheelbarrow, a young man carrying a wood cross with the scriptures of John 14:6, and even someone carrying a wood log. There were several music bands too. The entertainment was endless.

We welcome diversity

By mile nine, close to Hollywood, I walked for a bit and really appreciated the moment and the path left behind. I was astounded by the diversity of the people running, the volunteers of all ages handling water and electrolytes, the fans cheering with hilarious signs, and many others handing snacks, offering muscle pain reliever, vaseline for the chafing and massages with small hand-held machines. It was a beautiful ambiance of camaraderie among strangers. There were also several medical aid stations and first responders along the route.

I was happy to be part of that moment and appreciated this beautiful mosaic of ethnicities, cultures, and languages that make up L.A.

Another thing that caught my attention was seeing entire families waiting for their favorite runner, usually some young student of Students Run LA (SRLA), an after-school program that trains high school students for the LA Marathon. These students–many of them from underserved communities–represent 190 schools from the Greater Los Angeles area. This year, more than 3,000 students participated. 

Cheerleaders and volunteers definitely don’t skimp on food. From hot dogs to bread, fruits, candies, beer, and lots of energy drinks, they didn't let us give up. I even had my shot of mezcal thanks to a fan group from Oaxaca. 

And as weird as it sounds, it is also true that this is therapy for many runners. We have miles and miles to listen to music, reflect on life, do mindful running, meditation and even cry or pray if needed. But we don’t stop moving. 

The last part is the hardest one

At about mile 21, I started testing my sanity and choice to run the marathon. I wasn’t tired from my lungs or my breathing. It was my feet, my legs and my hips. Then, I saw a group with Tylenol at their table, and without hesitation I took two, washing them down with electrolytes. 

By mile 23 my running group, Running Locas, was cheering at their booth. I stopped by and I pictured myself as a human version of a race car when my teammates gave me Coke, sprayed a bunch of muscle pain reliever on my legs and hips and took my picture in front of a cute background with a disco theme, all while encouraging me to finish the last three miles. This group is so inspirational, as some members have run some of the World Major Marathons (WMM) already. 

And like a miracle, my strength came back. I kept running and then entered the most exciting part, the last mile. 

The final leg of the route was filled with a massive amount of people cheering nonstop. Loud music was everywhere, and there were more snacks and drinks to finish strong. That energy really transferred. The sweat, the pain and the sacrifice were worth it. 

When crossing the finish line, many runners couldn't avoid getting emotional. We tested our body and soul with all our might. We walked at times but never quit. 

As I reflect on my run, I'm glad it happened during Women’s History Month because I’m so thankful with all the wonderful mujeres who have motivated me from the moment I started running. First, in 2021, when I met the group Fit4Mom and I was running with my baby on a stroller to my amazing Running Locas group, and most recently, my partner in run, a CSULB professor who has completed 48 marathons and became another cheerleader when I told her I would run for the first time. These women really show me what strength looks like.

The LA Marathon may not be a qualifier for the WMM–Boston, London, Chicago, Berlin, New York City, Tokyo, and Sydney–but it is a trajectory that, in my opinion, every Angeleno should experience at least once in their lifetime either as a runner or a fan. 

It took me 5:40:02 to cross the finish line and I’m so proud of it. My son knows mommy did it, as he wears my medal, and yes, now I have bragging rights to say I’m a marathoner.