LA Marathon & Oscars: Road Closures to Expect This Weekend

Los Angeles is bracing for a double dose of spectacle over the next two weekends: the L.A. Marathon and the 98th Academy Awards. While the events promise excitement for fans, they also mean significant road closures and traffic disruptions for everyone else. Understanding the timing and scope of these closures is key to navigating the city over the coming days.

The L.A. Marathon and half-marathon will take place this Sunday, March 8, 2026, starting at Dodger Stadium and concluding near Avenue of the Stars and Santa Monica Boulevard. The following Sunday, March 15, the spotlight shifts to Hollywood for the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre. Initially, both events were slated for March 15, but a collaborative effort between the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences resulted in the marathon being moved to March 8 to avoid logistical conflicts. Details of the collaboration were released by the Academy.

Marathon Road Closures: A Rolling Impact

The L.A. Marathon kicks off at 7 a.m. On Sunday, but road closures will begin as early as 3 a.m. Along the 26.2-mile course. Organizers, The McCourt Foundation, anticipate a rolling reopening of streets as runners pass, but some areas could remain closed until around 6 p.m. A detailed map of all street closures is available on the McCourt Foundation website. Residents along the route should be prepared to request access from officials for “local access only” streets.

Importantly, no freeways will be closed, though some ramps will be temporarily inaccessible. Crossing the marathon course will be prohibited once closures are in effect at 6 a.m. The race welcomes over 26,000 runners, according to the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, making it one of the city’s largest community sporting events. The McCourt Foundation’s FAQ page provides additional information for residents and spectators.

Oscars Impact: Hollywood Gridlock

The Academy Awards will bring a different set of closures, concentrated around the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. While some blocks – including portions of Hollywood Boulevard, Orange Drive, and Johnny Grant Way – were closed earlier in March for preparations, larger sections will be affected starting at 12:01 a.m. On March 15. A comprehensive map of the Oscars-related street closures can be found on the official Oscars website.

Specific closures beginning at 4 a.m. On March 15 include Highland Avenue from Sunset Boulevard to Franklin Avenue, and Hollywood Boulevard from La Brea Avenue to Orange Drive, as well as from Highland Avenue to Cahuenga Boulevard. Certain roads and sidewalks will be limited to local residents, business needs, and emergency vehicles starting at the same time. The detailed list includes Hawthorn Avenue, McCadden Place, Yucca Street, and Wilcox Avenue, among others.

Navigating the Hollywood Restrictions

The closures around the Dolby Theatre are tiered. From 12:01 a.m. March 15 through 6 a.m. March 16, Hawthorn Alley, Orange Drive, and sections of Hollywood Boulevard will be closed, with varying levels of pedestrian access. For example, the north sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard will have no pedestrian access, while the south sidewalk will allow for an 8-foot pathway. Highland Avenue will also have restricted access, with only a 300-foot section south of Hollywood Boulevard allowing for 8-foot pedestrian access.

These closures are designed to manage the influx of celebrities, media, and fans attending the 98th Academy Awards. The event is a major economic driver for the city, but also presents significant logistical challenges for traffic management.

Beyond the Closures: A Weekend of Events

The convergence of the L.A. Marathon and the Oscars highlights Los Angeles’s role as a major event destination. The marathon, a long-standing community tradition, draws participants and spectators from around the world. The Oscars, of course, represent the pinnacle of achievement in the film industry, attracting global attention and media coverage. The Yahoo News article notes that the events will “flood” Los Angeles, impacting drivers throughout the city. The article provides a broader overview of the anticipated disruptions.

The decision to move the marathon date was a direct result of the scheduling conflict, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate between event organizers to minimize disruption. This proactive approach is crucial for ensuring that both events can proceed smoothly and safely.

Looking Ahead: Event Logistics and Future Scheduling

The success of managing these concurrent events will likely inform future scheduling decisions for large-scale events in Los Angeles. The city will need to continue to prioritize coordination between event organizers and transportation authorities to mitigate traffic congestion and ensure accessibility for residents and visitors. The McCourt Foundation and the Academy have demonstrated a commitment to collaboration, and this model could be applied to other major events in the future. Further details regarding traffic management and alternative transportation options will likely be released by the city in the days leading up to each event.