LA Marathon 2016: Route, Course Map, Times, Road Closures and Event Details

The 2016 Los Angeles Marathon will take center stage in the City of Angels on Sunday. This year's running also falls on Valentine's Day and marks the 31st edition of the race, which has become one of the most popular in the United States.

Runners will come from all 50 states and more than 55 different countries to take part in the high-profile event, according to the race's official site. Those participants will get a chance to see some of the city's main landmarks during the 26.2-mile journey.

Let's check out all of the important details for Sunday's race. That's followed by a list of starting times and a preview of the running showcase.

Event Information

Where: Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles

When: Sunday, Feb. 14

Route: Course Map

Road Closures: Complete List

Start Times

Time (PT)	Group
6:30 a.m.	Wheelchairs
6:32 a.m.	Handcycles
6:45 a.m.	Elite Women
6:55 a.m.	Elite Men and Full Field

Marathon Preview

The L.A. Marathon has become one of the largest events of its kind in the United States. The most recent Annual Marathon Report from Running USA ranked it fifth behind only those held in New York City, Chicago, Boston and Honolulu.

In turn, the race features terrific scenery, and the level of competition is high. It creates an outstanding atmosphere for everybody from the serious contenders to the casual runner.

One of the key storylines for the second straight year will likely be the unseasonable heat. The Weather Channel projects a temperature of around 58 degrees when the race kicks off, but it will increase quickly to near 70 by the time the top runners cross the finish line ahead of a daytime high in the mid-80s.

Tim Liotta of the Associated Press passed along comments from reigning champion Daniel Limo of Kenya, who admitted the weather presents an additional hurdle.

"It's something that will give me a challenge because I have to defend my title from last year," Limo said.

Competitors will need to conserve a little extra energy in the early going because the conditions will be most difficult during those final few miles when the winners are determined. Going out too quickly could spell doom in the end.

Returning participants may also notice a new look, as highlighted by MPA Event Graphics:

All told, it should be another memorable L.A. Marathon. That's especially true for upwards of 80 couples who will get married or renew their vows in the middle of the race in honor of Valentine's Day, as noted by Justin Meyer of USA Today.

Whether a participant is running to win, set a personal best, enjoy the scenery or even get married, the 2016 edition of the event certainly has a little something for everybody.