More than 26,000 participants will compete in the sold-out 2026 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon this Sunday, each one with a story to tell, each one brimming with heart, grit, and determination.

NBC Los Angeles has been spotlighting some of those LA Marathon runners this week. Here are a few of those inspirational stories you shouldn’t miss.

Karen Sternheimer will run her first marathon and get one step closer to returning to the Pacific Palisades. Keenan Willard reports for the NBC4 News at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Palisades Fire survivor running LA Marathon as part of her recovery

Karen Sternheimer lost her home in the Palisades Fire in January 2025 and ever since then, she’s been taking the recovery process one step at a time. On Sunday, she’ll hit the pavement and run the LA Marathon — her first-ever marathon. Sternheimer had lived in the Palisades since the 1980s and would often run in the community. This race is part of her healing journey.

A run club honoring the legacy of the late Nipsey Hussle is bringing that spirit to the LA Marathon this weekend. Karma Dickerson reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Nipsey Hussle Run Club will honor late rapper at LA Marathon

The Marathon Rub Club will run the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon to honor the legacy of late rapper Nipsey Hustle, and the discipline and purpose he lived by. The club includes about 100 runners raising money for the Neighborhood Nip Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hussle’s Marathon brand.

An Inland Empire man is keeping his late grandmother’s memory alive by participating in the LA Marathon to raise awareness about dementia. Christian Cazares reports for the NBC4 News at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Inland Empire man running LA Marathon for a cure for dementia

Cole Petrikas’ marathon motivation is from the heart: He’s running the LA Marathon in support of finding a cure for dementia after losing his grandmother, Lisa, in April 2025. The Menifee resident is one of the many runners the McCourt Foundation has partnered alongside nonprofits to raise money to cure neurological diseases. Petrikas told NBCLA that he knows Grandma Lisa would be incredibly proud of him.

Dominic Leventini was in a crash that left him with more than two dozen broken bones. Doctors said he would never run again, but he defied the odds. Kathy Vara reports for NBC4 at 6 p.m. on March 5, 2026.

After breaking 26 bones, one man is running the LA Marathon against all odds

Rising endurance athlete Dominic Leventini suffered 26 broken bones and a ruptured carotid artery in a horrific bike crash with a cement truck. He was told he’d never run again. Step by step, he defied all odds. This Sunday, he’s running his third consecutive Los Angeles Marathon, filled with gratitude and hope.

Braun Levi, a teenager killed by drunk driver months after finishing, will be honored by his community at the LA Marathon. Adrian Arambulo reports for NBC4 at 5 p.m. on March 5, 2026.

‘Run Like Braun’ group running the LA Marathon in memory of Braun Levi

Loyola High School tennis star Braun Levi, 18, ran last year’s LA Marathon on a whim. Two months later, he was killed by a DUI suspect. This year, 66 of his loved ones have united to run the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon in his honor, through a movement dubbed “Run Like Braun.” After all, Levi was known for his ability to bring people together. According to Levi’s mom and friends, Levi’s spirit and legacy will live on, and every mile of the LA Marathon stands for a life well-lived by the teen.

A Los Angeles model discovered his love for the city while training for the LA Marathon. Mekahlo Medina reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Friday March 6, 2026.

First-time LA Marathon runner finds renewed love for LA while training to run in honor of grandfather

When first-time LA Marathon runner Christopher Lima hits the course this Sunday, every mile will be a tribute to his abuelo. Lima has partnered with the McCourt Foundation to run in honor of his late grandfather, a Brazilian immigrant who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Lima credits his grandpa for teaching him to persevere, no matter the obstacle. As Lima trained for the 2026 LA Marathon, he found a renewed love for Los Angeles and lots of time to think about his grandpa’s valuable life lessons.

The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon starts and Dodger Stadium and ends in Century City.

The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon

The marathon starts at 7 a.m. from Dodger Stadium. The finish line is at Santa Monica Boulevard and Avenue of the Stars in Century City.

The 26.2-mile course goes through some of LA’s most recognizable neighborhoods and landmarks, including Elysian Park, Little Tokyo, Capitol Records Tower, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Chateau Marmont, Rodeo Drive, Chinatown, Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills.

NBC4 and Telemundo 52 are the new broadcasting partners of the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon this year, and the partnership will continue through at least 2029. Expect lots of coverage from the marathon across our platforms, in both English and Spanish.

Watch the live broadcast of the LA Marathon on NBCLA and Telemundo 52 from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday. You can also watch the livestream of the marathon on NBCLA’s website.

To learn more about the LA Marathon, including information on road closures and the course map, check out our marathon guide.