LA Marathon Assures No Terror Threat Ahead of Race

Heightened security measures in place as tens of thousands descend on the city

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Marathon has stated there is 'no intelligence' of any terror threat ahead of Sunday's event, despite a recent Homeland Security assessment warning that Iran and its proxies 'probably' pose a threat of targeted attacks on the U.S. in the wake of recent military action. Marathon organizers, along with the City of Los Angeles, LAPD, LAFD, and FBI, have worked to heighten security measures for the race, which is expected to draw over 25,000 runners and many more spectators.

Why it matters

The LA Marathon is one of the largest running events in the country, drawing tens of thousands of participants and spectators to the city. Given the recent geopolitical tensions and Homeland Security warnings, there were concerns the event could be targeted for retaliation, making heightened security measures critical to ensure public safety.

The details

While the LAPD did not confirm any additional security measures, city officials stated the department would bolster security 'near places of worship, community spaces and other areas of the city.' The marathon organizers, city, and federal partners are working in a 'unified command structure to actively monitor conditions and ensure comprehensive security planning' for the event.

  • The LA Marathon is scheduled for this Sunday, March 9, 2026.
  • A Homeland Security assessment was released on February 28, 2026, warning of the threat of targeted attacks by Iran and its proxies.

The players

Los Angeles Marathon

The annual ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is one of the largest running events in the country, expected to draw over 25,000 participants this year.

City of Los Angeles

The city is working closely with marathon organizers and law enforcement to ensure comprehensive security planning for the event.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

The LAPD is coordinating with marathon organizers and federal partners to monitor conditions and implement security measures for the race.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

A recent DHS threat assessment warned that Iran and its proxies 'probably' pose a threat of targeted attacks on the U.S. in the wake of recent military action.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Safety is our top priority at the Los Angeles Marathon. We work side by side with the City of Los Angeles, LAPD, LAFD, and federal partners in a unified command structure to actively monitor conditions and ensure comprehensive security planning. There is no intelligence suggesting any disruptions to the race. Our team remains in close coordination with public safety agencies and is committed to providing a safe race day for everyone involved.”

— Meg Treat, Los Angeles Marathon spokeswoman (The Post)

“We are closely monitoring for any threats to Los Angeles' public safety amid military action in the Middle East.”

— Karen Bass, Los Angeles Mayor (Office of the Mayor)

What’s next

The LAPD and other public safety agencies will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate security measures in the lead-up to and during the LA Marathon on Sunday.

The takeaway

Despite heightened security concerns following recent geopolitical tensions, the LA Marathon organizers and city officials have worked to ensure comprehensive safety planning and coordination with law enforcement to provide a secure event for runners and spectators.