Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Halloween 1/2 Marathon
Los Angeles, CA
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
EVENT DISCONTINUED. Per race website: “We have decided to discontinue the Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon. A decision like this is never easy, and we understand the disappointment this may cause for our long-time participants, but we look forward to seeing you at one of our other great … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Oct 28):
| 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| H (°F) | 89 | 77 | 76 | 79 | 77 |
| L (°F) | 64 | 61 | 64 | 66 | 59 |
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Fun race in downtown
Music entertainment throughout the race and people dressing up as zombies for halloween were the highlights. Some sections were very steep. Very fun race overall. MORE
Music entertainment throughout the race and people dressing up as zombies for halloween were the highlights. Some sections were very steep. Very fun race overall.
RnR is awesome, but this course is awful
I have always been partial to this race for two reasons - 1) It was my very first half marathon in 2013 and 2) I love Halloween and getting dressed … MORE
I have always been partial to this race for two reasons – 1) It was my very first half marathon in 2013 and 2) I love Halloween and getting dressed up to run. However, the course for this race has changed over the years and frankly…it sucks now. You spend 9 miles going out and back on Wilshire. Wilshire is hilly and goes through some pretty terrible parts of L.A. Let’s just say I wouldn’t go there by myself. I was really disappointed that we didn’t go in the Coliseum at all this time either. So as much as I love this company and Halloween, I will not be doing this one again. The medal was awesome though!!
Much Smaller than previous years
This race is usually packed with lots of runners in costumes. This year, 2018, there didn't feel like there were as many runners on the course. The course is rolling … MORE
This race is usually packed with lots of runners in costumes. This year, 2018, there didn’t feel like there were as many runners on the course. The course is rolling hills in the downtown LA area around the Staples center. Pretty easy to get to and the offered same day bib pick up for some runners but still recommend going to the expo. Decent race. Fun medal. Course was ok.
Downward Spiral
I first ran this race in 2013. Over the years, I have watched this race go downhill. The expo was at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 1 pm - … MORE
I first ran this race in 2013. Over the years, I have watched this race go downhill.
The expo was at the Los Angeles Convention Center from 1 pm – 6 pm on Friday and 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday. Parking around the Convention Center is exorbitant. Most years I opt to take metro transportation. This year, I grabbed free street parking in a questionable neighborhood about a mile from the Convention Center.
The Convention Center was extremely crowded as LA Comic Con and an Herbalife convention were happening simultaneously. As I passed by the hall where the Comic Con was taking place, I asked an employee for directions to the hall where the race expo was located. Rather than simply answering my question, she began to vent about how they needed signs because she was tired of runners coming up to her asking where to go. I ended up walking away without getting directions from her. I would rather get lost than further deal with her attitude.
The expo was surprisingly small for a Rock ‘n’ Roll race. I was glad I didn’t pay for parking. One of my friends joked, “Walk very…very slow or you might accidentally exit the expo.” The size of the expo left many repeat runners speculating as to if the race will be returning in 2019.
On race morning, I took the metro to the race start. This is common practice for me for any race happening in downtown LA. I dislike driving in downtown even when there aren’t road closures and race congestion. As usual, this proved to be a wise (and stress free) decision.
The race started at 6:15 am. The current course is a very boring out-and-back with lots of rolling hills. This race used to be exciting. We used to run along the concourse of the Coliseum, across the 6th Street Bridge and through a tunnel with disco lights and pumping music. The most interesting part of the current course was running by MacArthur Park and the Wiltern Theater.
As with other years, the race finished in front of the iconic Staples Center, which is a fun place to finish. The post-race concert and beer garden were once located in Microsoft Square, located in the heart of LA Live. Now, runners are forced to walk up a flight of stairs to get to the top level of a parking garage that has been converted into a makeshift concert venue, beer garden and gear check pick-up. This year, the headliner concert was Matt Costa, whom I had never heard of. Looking back over the listed timeline, I believe I was there while Matt Costa was playing. There was minimal interest from participants in going up to the stage to listen to the band, so at the time I assumed it was still the opening band The Naked I, whom I had also never heard of.
Post race refreshments included water, chocolate milk, bananas, Cheez-Its, Kirkland Signature granola bars and Sour Punch gummy straws. There was also Michelob Ultra in the beer garden.
This race has slowly gone downhill over the years. The people are what make this race still worth running. I enjoyed seeing so many of my running friends and the creative costumes people came up with. The crowd favorite was a group of male runners who dressed as Disney princesses. This race is not what it once was, but the people keep me coming back for more.
No awards!
I ran this race last year and placed second in my age group. My friend also placed second in his age group. To date, neither of us has received our … MORE
I ran this race last year and placed second in my age group. My friend also placed second in his age group. To date, neither of us has received our placement awards despite several follow up emails. On the website they promised that awards will be mailed out after the race. I noticed that this year the website says that awards are to be picked up at the tent but last year awards were not available for pick up after the race. Whatever the reason the organizers need to be forthright and explain why we’re not getting our hard earned awards!
LA RNR is a great local race!
I've run this half four or five times now. This year (2017), they changed the course to go out toward K-Town where it used to go out to Boyle Heights. … MORE
I’ve run this half four or five times now. This year (2017), they changed the course to go out toward K-Town where it used to go out to Boyle Heights. Feels like it got a little more hilly, a little more challenging, but the change of scenery was welcome. Even though this race is a big to-do, it feels like a hometown race. Very few other races give you a chance to tour DTLA this way, and it’s always a very fun and festive vibe with a huge costumed presence among runners. Register early and you can usually get in for $50 or $60!
Usual well done RnR event
The expo seemed smaller this year than in years past. I get the feeling that this is the red-headed stepchild of RnR races. Parking is pretty expensive for the expo … MORE
The expo seemed smaller this year than in years past. I get the feeling that this is the red-headed stepchild of RnR races. Parking is pretty expensive for the expo and on race morning, especially with ComiCon going on. Luckily I know the area and scored parking about a mile away on a side street. The race had the usual well done RnR organization. The course itself is not good and is on its third different one in as many years. It’s basically a bunch of out and backs in DTLA, the best part was the loop around the Coliseum but that was taken out a few weeks before the race. The finish festival was fun, glad they moved the finish line this year to make it less confusing to get to the after-party. The beer garden was mah, can never get excited about Michelob Ultra. Hopefully, with the new ownership, they’ll get rid of the corporate beer or at least get something decent. I love LA, so I’ll probably do it again next year if they still have it.
Mostly Out and Back
This is a big race so plan logistics ahead. Since it is RnR you have to go pick up your bib yourself. Get there early on race day. Parking is … MORE
This is a big race so plan logistics ahead. Since it is RnR you have to go pick up your bib yourself. Get there early on race day. Parking is always a wait. Or take the train if you plan ahead. Fun course and super cute medal.
Dress Up race!
I was a Dalmatian! Rock n Roll races are always fun. For this race, watch your step and beware the poorly paved, somewhat hilly, earthquake torn streets. If you have … MORE
I was a Dalmatian! Rock n Roll races are always fun. For this race, watch your step and beware the poorly paved, somewhat hilly, earthquake torn streets. If you have PF or tarsal tunnel syndrome, you might want to opt out.
Many Changes for 2016
They made a huge course change for 2016. In general I liked it. There were more rolling hills than before and the last 8 miles or so were out and … MORE
They made a huge course change for 2016. In general I liked it. There were more rolling hills than before and the last 8 miles or so were out and back. Also they had corrals…were all released at one time so there was a lot of course congestion the entire course.
That being said I’ve done this race 4 years in a row and I hope they bring it back for 2017. I was told that they’re having permit/course issues. They said they might move it to Hollywood but they would keep it on the same day.
Easy course, needed more music.
We participated in this race as members of Team ASPCA...This was the last year the ASPCA was the benefitting charity for this race. They did an amazing job coaching everyone … MORE
We participated in this race as members of Team ASPCA…This was the last year the ASPCA was the benefitting charity for this race. They did an amazing job coaching everyone on the team. We even to got to go into Toms Urban at the beginning of the race from 5 am. to 12:00 p.m. It was a fabulous day. Highly recommend this to everyone.
Ok race, boring course, nightmare expo
This was a typical Rock n' Roll race. The expo was ok once I finally got in and so was the t-shirt. The course was an out and back to … MORE
This was a typical Rock n’ Roll race. The expo was ok once I finally got in and so was the t-shirt. The course was an out and back to the LA Coliseum and an out and back down Wilshire Blvd, extremely boring and lazy course. The medal was ok, no where near as nice as other RnR events and the finish line didn’t even have the usual arch, just timing mats. It’s obvious that this race wasn’t high on the priority list of Competitor Group. Now on to the issue of packet freaking pickup. I find it hard to believe that they didn’t know LA ComiCon and some gaming competition would be going on at the same time. Luckily I got downtown early since I was working a booth as well. When I got there, area lots were charging upwards of $40 to park. Um no. I ended finding a street meter almost a mile away and walked. When I left the expo, parking rates had gone up to $60 nearby. They waited until almost 1:00 to post on FB that traffic and parking may be an issue. A little too late for that info. I imagine many people missed the race because of this. Complete clusterf&*k.
Hopefully they make some much needed changes if they want people to sign up next year, #1 being the expo, #2 being the horrible course, #3 being get real beer. No one likes Michelob Ultra. At least get Golden Road if you insist on corporate beer.
Fun race with great music!
This was my first Rock n' Roll Half-Marathon. I enjoyed the music along the course and all the costumes. Would definitely do it again. Looking into doing the one in … MORE
This was my first Rock n’ Roll Half-Marathon. I enjoyed the music along the course and all the costumes. Would definitely do it again. Looking into doing the one in San Diego.
Heart of Los Angeles
Awesome run! Fairly easy course...has 4 big hills to conquer, but very worth doing! I wish I didn't conserve most of my energy or think my calves would cramp up … MORE
Awesome run! Fairly easy course…has 4 big hills to conquer, but very worth doing! I wish I didn’t conserve most of my energy or think my calves would cramp up because I had a lot left in my tank and I could’ve finished faster. Going into mile 10 was the most exciting part of the race where it was a straight-line turn around with music constantly playing until you left. I wished they had more of that.
Overall, the course took you through the heart of LA and the last mile was all downhill so it felt really good finishing!
By the way, it was a total of 13.85 miles so people should be more proud they ran/walk that much.
My first half marathon
I ran this as my very first half marathon in 2013. At that time, the course still went over the 6th street bridge. As a lifetime resident of So Cal, … MORE
I ran this as my very first half marathon in 2013. At that time, the course still went over the 6th street bridge. As a lifetime resident of So Cal, this was a goof first race. RnR puts on great races, has great swag and fantastic medals. The course was difficult as a first timer, but I have run this twice more since and it is a pretty easy course. The scenery is actually only so-so, but is good if you like LA. Course support is good and I love the Halloween theme, although I heard it didn’t have that theme last year.