By our 5-axis Green Score, the Marine Corps Marathon is the easier race — 8.4/10 vs 7.3/10 for the ASICS LA Marathon (a 1.1-point gap). The biggest difference is travel, where the Marine Corps Marathon has the edge. Scores come from elevation profiles, 10 years of race-morning weather, entry odds, and field size — the full method is on the methodology page.
| Score (10 = easiest) | ASICS LA Marathon | Marine Corps Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Green Score (overall) | 7.3 | 8.4 |
| First-timer score | 7.8 | 8.8 |
| Terrain | 5.6 | 7.9 |
| Climate | 9.0 | 10.0 |
| Entry | 10.0 | 7.1 |
| Travel | 3.0 | 7.0 |
| Field & support | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Distance | marathon | marathon |
| Date | March 21, 2027 | October 25, 2026 |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA | Arlington, VA |
| Typical race-day weather (10-yr) | 52°F / dew 48°F | 48°F / dew 42°F |
| Elevation gain | 1378 ft | 659 ft |
| Field size | 24,000 | 18,000 |
| Entry | open | lottery |
| Entry fee | $225 | $210 |
| Boston qualifier course | Yes | Yes |
Sign in and connect Strava to see your projected finish time and qualifying odds at both races — heat- and course-adjusted to race day.