The 30th annual ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is fast approaching. Thousands of runners and spectators will crowd the streets of Los Angeles beginning early Sunday, March 15. The first race is set to start at 6:50 a.m. for handcycle participants.

Competitors in the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon run underneath Chinatown’s famous Twin Dragon Tower Gateway. (photo courtesy of the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon)

The marathon, stretching 26.219 miles across the city, is continuing with its “Stadium to the Sea” route, beginning at Dodger Stadium and ending in Santa Monica.

The L.A. Marathon started in 1986, raising awareness for charitable organizations and promoting fitness and health, according to L.A. Marathon representatives.

This year, the marathon will once again highlight several iconic locations in Los Angeles, including Dodger Stadium, Chinatown’s famous Twin Dragon Tower Gateway, El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Park, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and several others.

An estimated 25,000 people from all 50 states and more than 55 countries will participate in the marathon. The city of West Hollywood, once again, is one of the community partners for this year’s marathon.

Hundreds of local and national charity organizations also participate every year in the marathon.

This year, the local Junior League of Los Angeles, headquartered on Larchmont Avenue, will sponsor runners for the marathon for the fourth year in a row.

The Junior League of Los Angeles is part of a national organization that promotes volunteerism, especially among women. In Los Angeles, the organization has approximately 1,100 members, with a focus on empowering transitional foster youth and promoting children’s literacy.

“Our goal is to train our members to be the most effective volunteers that they can be, from nonprofit management to fundraising, from running a project, to the day-to-day of running a nonprofit organization,” said Courtney Garvin, president of Junior League of Los Angeles.

Garvin and the Junior League of Los Angeles are hoping to raise $25,000 this year through the marathon. Currently, the organization has raised close to $10,000 but there’s usually a big push toward the end, she said.

“It’s been a great way for us to get exposure and a great way to energize people and get attention — especially for our fundraising,” Garvin said.

Registration for the marathon is still open but will sell out and reach capacity at 25,000 registered participants by this Friday, according to ASICS LA Marathon representatives.

The registration fee for U.S. residents is $190 and $205 for non-residents. However, to participate in Saturday’s pre-L.A. Marathon 5K race, the registration fee is a flat-rate of $40.

The marathon will begin at Dodger Stadium and end at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and California Avenue in Santa Monica. In West Hollywood, runners will run along Sunset Boulevard, lead south on San Vicente Boulevard, west on Santa Monica Boulevard and south on Doheny Drive, continuing into Beverly Hills.

Residents have been notified that parking is prohibited along the L.A. Marathon route. For alternative parking areas, visit the city of West Hollywood’s website at www.weho.org/parkinglots.

For information about the ASICS 2015 L.A. Marathon, visit www.lamarathon.com. For the full route, visit www.lamarathon.com/event/course-map.