I joined the LA Leggers for the 2019-2020 marathon training season, making the switch after being a long-time member of another training program.  The LA Leggers "clubhouse" is inside the historic Santa Monica Camera Obscura building overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Palisades Park near the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.  It is not a bad place to start your Saturday long run. The Leggers organization celebrated their 30-year anniversary during the 2019-2020 season and do they have their stuff down.  The weekly runs for each pace group are led by "Mentors".  There are 15+ groups which run and run/walk at different paces.  There are several walking groups as well. The LA Leggers offer something for everyone of all fitness levels who want to put in the work to become a "Marathoner".   Membership in the LA Leggers is for one year of weekly runs, although the marathon training season begins in late summer, culminating with the LA Marathon in March.  LA Leggers is a great organization and I recommend.   Weekly group runs have been suspended due to the pandemic and replaced with weekly Zoom meetings in order to provide support to the members. read more

I am not an athlete. It sounds kind of weird when I say that in the same breath that I say I've completed 10 triathlons, a handful of 70+ mile bike rides and am currently in my second year training for the LA Marathon. But it's true just the same: I'm not an athlete. I'm a fat, slow, aging couch potato with big dreams. One of my big dreams is to do an Ironman some day...but boy, that means I have to a MARATHON. Ugh. My least favorite thing: running. Enter the LA Leggers. There are several big running groups out and about on the west side, including the HUGE one affiliated with the LA Marathon itself. I've run into that group a few times down on the beach, yelling out run chants like Army bootcamp and taking up the entire path. They look sweaty, tired and disgruntled. But every time I'd seen the LA Leggers groups running, people are laughing, smiling, enjoying the day and making running look - dare I say it? - FUN. What? Crazy talk! I joined last year and trained for the 2009 LA Marathon. Injury in November, bad sickness in December and all the crazy LAM date juggling and I was out for the season in January. August came around and I signed up for the 2010 season, determined to try again. As a non-athlete, it's been wonderful to find a "running" club as awesome as the LA Leggers. Encouraging, well-structured mentoring programs and terrific leadership combined with a truly GOOD group of people = wanting to show up and do the training every single weekend no matter how early. You make friends out there with people you would never meet otherwise, and the energy is always up up up. They welcome a wide spread of pace groups (I am in the slowest, 20 minute miles walking pace and YES, they do have walker programs!). I'm looking forward to completing my very first marathon in March, proudly wearing the Leggers name! GO LEGGERS! (And if you needed one more reason to join next year, the LA Leggers were just voted Best Running Club in LA by Competitor Magazine. All that for less than $75 bucks for an entire season! Almost unbelievable!) read more

LA Leggers - 20 Years of 20 Miles! The LA Leggers 20 minute pace group finishes the 20 mile training day, November 2009. - Sports Clubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This running group is incredible! I'm a total beginner when it comes to running. I was afraid of joining a running group for fear of people looking down at me as I gasp for air on my first mile...but, that's not how it is with the Leggers. They have different pace groups for all level of runners. I missed the first meetup to see which pace group I fell in so I started with the slowest runners. Everyone was so very nice and encouraging. The 14's were a little slow for me so the following week I bumped myself up to the 13's. Next week I think I may try my luck with the 12's! I always wanted to do distance running but have always been intimidated by it. This group is awesome for the beginner because everyone, I mean everyone is rooting you on. You partner with a runner and it's great because you end up encouraging each other when you want to stop. If you do stop, you aren't looked down upon or laughed at (my fear), instead they ask if you are OK. They really care about your safety. The mentors are great running coaches. They talk to you as you are running and give you tips. Everyone in the pace group is working towards the same goal, finishing! When the faster running groups pass you they cheer and root you on. Even the people you run by act excited to see the group and cheer for you! I love this group. I live in Long Beach and drive all the way out to Santa Monica to run with the Leggers. There are some groups in my area, but I really enjoy running with the Leggers. They only charge $65 to join their group. The price includes speakers, an LA Leggers tech shirt and mentors who are multiple marathon runners. If you have always wanted to run a marathon or half marathon, I highly recommend the LA Leggers. They are the most friendly group of people and they have ALL level of runners. In fact, they even have walking groups. Joining the LA Leggers is the best thing I could have done. It's a great way to get in shape and make new friends! Just do it! read more

As a Leggers member from the late 90's (and former mentor myself), and just now back after a decade-long hiatus, the basics of the club remain the same - take someone who has never run a long distance before and over time turn them into a marathoner. There really isn't a better program out there to accomplish this. The reason for the four stars, instead of the glowing five stars everyone has given, is the hit-or-miss with the mentors. A "mentor" is one who leads your group, provides inspiration and helps you through the ups and downs of marathon training. If you get a great mentor (like say Hoss who leads the 9.5 group) your training runs fly by and you really do have an amazing experience. If your mentor is an idiot you can guess the experience you'll have. Even if it means dropping to a slower group, or pushing yourself into a faster group, make the move if you don't really love your mentor. Challenge THEM to make it a fun experience and if they are not capable of doing that, go to a different group. If they are that self-absorbed in feeling a sense of power because of the shirt they are wearing and ability to yell at you during runs, they won't notice you gone anyways. Don't take it personal, just make the move and enjoy yourself. Life is too short, and marathons too long, to look at it any other way. read more

My good friend broke up with her boyfriend and she decided to start working out instead of gaining some depression pounds. After I met the friendly and healthy Leggers, I thought this would be a better way of meeting people than the usual places I frequented. By the way, this probably really added a few more years to my life because I did far less drinking and social smoking. A person really doesn't want to hit it hard on a Friday night when you have to wake up early in the morning to run 20 miles; and the last think you want to do after 20 miles is stand at the bar or dance but I did manage to still go out and have a few drinks on a few Saturday nights - call me persistent. This group is great because there are mentors to help you along the way and support from many of your fellow runners. They slowly start you on a one mile run and they slowly ramp up till you get to 26 miles (about 6 - 7 months). Also, one can't help but feel a real sense of accomplishment on Saturday mornings because no matter what I did later that day I accomplished more before 10am than most. I really wasn't a runner and still am not so this is a total testament to accomplishing something bigger with a group rather on your own. Once you start with this program it will be difficult not to finish a marathon because of the sense of community and energy you get from all those involved with the group. As for me I was a member a couple of years ago and taking a break so I can eat unhealthy, bar hop, and pursue total decadence. As for my friend, the very first marathon we ran she met someone and was married 6 months later. read more

I started running 2 years ago, after falling into a rut and deciding that I needed to start impacting positive changes in my life. In a matter of months, I went from the couch to my first 5K, to my first 10K, and fell into a happy place. My goals started to get bigger, and I started to really dream... if I can run 6 miles, then what's 13? After that, maybe 26 is possible? So I trained solo for my first half marathon... and ended up losing the drive, thrill, and happiness I had found in running up until that point, and replaced it with shin splints and complete demoralization. I had overtrained. I pretty much stopped running in the weeks leading up to my race. I bonked in my first half marathon, and grimaced through my new blisters to the finish line. Oy. I finished, but I didn't feel so proud or accomplished. How did everything fall apart so quickly? Fortunately, I had joined a running club, the LA Leggers, in the midst of this ordeal last summer. The Leggers is a non-profit, volunteer-run running club, which provides training to runners and walkers alike for a marathon (or half marathon). I had joined simply because I didn't want to run 20-mile long runs by myself, if I were to ever train for a marathon... however, what I gained out of that was much more. I live 20 miles away, yet came for every weekly run and every educational lecture that I could - and I learned so much, including what I did wrong in my first half marathon experience. How to fuel myself, how to avoid those nasty blisters, how to condition my body to the mileage that I dreamed of while remaining injury-free, how to run in inclement weather conditions, how to taper. As a rookie runner, I absorbed advice from the speaker series, from my mentor, and from fellow Leggers like a sponge, and followed it as much as possible. Had I had the benefit of this experience, as well as the Leggers as a resource of knowledge and support, earlier, I can imagine that my half marathon would have gone much, much smoother. My first marathon experience, however, did! I found my weekly runs with the Leggers to be a safe training environment during which I discovered a lot about how my body responded to different diets and fuels, which socks blistered most, etc. When I struggled to keep up with my pace group on one of my less-than-stellar training runs, one of the mentors of my group fell back with me and ran next to me, making sure that I wasn't left behind or forgotten. To me, the simple act just spoke volumes about how much they'll look after you and support you if/when you need it. The mentor of my pace group proved to be a wonderful source of advice and inspiration. The support during the training season is wonderful, as is the support during the LA Marathon itself. They had three support stations on course around Miles 7, 16, and 23 (or so) in LA Marathon 2012, where they cheered me on, offered an array of snacks and water, sprayed my legs, and acted as a pick-up or drop-off for any items you might want to re-stock on mid-race or leave behind (I had a pair of dry socks waiting for me at one of the stations, thinking that it was going to rain...). Leggers also had special access to the Loge-level at Dodger Stadium before the race, which was nice if only because it minimized bathroom waits. Thanks to the Leggers, I've completed my first marathon, and am already signed up for my next one, as well as dreaming of my 3rd and many more to come. "I was just thinking how crazy I am to be doing this instead of sleeping..." -Overheard from a fellow Legger during a 11-mile run in the rain, on a cold January Saturday at 7:30 am. Oh yes, crazy loves company. Come join us! The new season starts in August. read more

I cannot believe I have not reviewed the LA Leggers organization. This is a phenomenal running club. NO SERIOUSLY...this group ROCKS in every possible way. I've been with this group for 2 years now (I'm a halfer) and always drop off the planet when the holidays start due to work. During the holidays, I train on my own when I get a chance and may show up when they are doing recovery runs. This is a running group based on volunteers. The organizers, mentors, officers, etc. are all volunteer base. They do it for the love of running and to help their fellow runners. The LA Leggers' goal is to get you in shape safely to run the LA Marathon. This is a very supportive, friendly and knowledgeable group. If you have a question running related there will always be someone who can answer it. I guarantee that! They meet once a week on Saturday mornings in front of the Santa Monica Senior Senior to do their training runs. Some of the pace groups have "unofficial" midweek runs as well. A lot of the members are returners so they know each other from past years. Don't be intimidated by them cause they are really friendly and helpful. The first year I trained with the 10s. This year I ran with the 9:30s. I'm hoping to run with the 9s next year! I'm pretty sure if I was disciplined enough and completed an entire season with them I would definitely be ready to run with the 9s. Either way a BIG THANK YOU goes out to this awesome organization and all of its members! read more

After 5 years of living in Los Angeles and 3 years (of the 5) of "trotting" and so-called "training" for half marathons, I finally signed up with LA LEGGERS this summer AND registered for the upcoming 2012 LA Marathon. It was the only way I could get myself to get serious and motivated about running. My ONLY regret...not joining sooner. I have a strong feeling that I will be joining every summer for as long as I am able to! A few months from now, my fellow Leggers and I will be running the LA MARATHON ... all 26.2 miles. Training started in mid-August with a mile increase every Saturday. We are now rounding up to 10 miles this coming week! The Leggers Family have been so amazingly supportive in preparing me mentally & physically for this long journey ahead. Whether prepping runners/walkers on form, nutrition or shoes - their honesty & patience (with humor) to guide us has been assuring. I don't know how it is with other pace groups (or even with other running organizations) because I have been running with mine from the beginning. But I think I am very lucky to be in a pace group where the mentors are really motivating (I'm sure they all are). They've been there! They share your struggles, your highs, lows, etc. I struggled a bit last week that one of my mentors stuck by me. During that time, he had told me that every now and then he will see a barefoot man in his 90s running along the Santa Monica boardwalk with his grandkids running behind him. How about that for inspiration!!!! Lastly, one of the mantras I took from my mentor's weekly emails was her input on changing a single word to a sentence. Instead of saying "I've GOT to run today." Say "I GET to run today." read more

The LA Leggers is an amazing organization that welcomes all fitness levels, and encourages anyone to come out and train for a marathon or half marathon...or just to get out of the house and move around. A completely volunteer-only group, they offer an unparalleled training and education program that encourages camaraderie, community, motivation and fun. Everyone is there because they WANT to be there, and that's saying something on a Saturday in the middle of winter at 4AM. Each pace group is mentor-led, and those folks also volunteer their time each week to walk or run the distance with their groups. If you have ever thought about doing a 5k, a 10k, a half marathon, a marathon or more, the LA Leggers can get you there. What they say on their website is absolutely true: "By following our training program, ordinary people can complete an extraordinary challenge." And the experience of doing so will stay with you forever, along with the friends you make out there training. read more

In early 2012, I started doing the "Couch to 5K" running program I found online as a way to get myself into being active. Doing that program on my own was okay, but I found it very easy to slack off and miss runs. A friend who runs with the LA Leggers suggested I sign up, and my instinct was to say no to signing up for something in Santa Monica, being that I'm a Valley dweller. I eventually gave in, though, in part because it's only a once-weekly commitment to make the trek over the Sepulveda Pass. After my first group run with the Leggers, I was hooked. I signed up for the LA Marathon right away, even though I hadn't yet run anything more than about 6 miles on my own - and with ample walking breaks. Since I joined the Leggers in October 2012, I've found that the weekly commitment to run with the group goes a long way in helping me to do my mid-week runs on my own. The support and encouragement from volunteer running mentors and other participants has made an enormous difference, and twice now I have completed 20-mile runs with the Leggers - along with scads of other shorter-distance runs. The LA Leggers is a great running program that is worth far more than it costs. I highly recommend to anyone interested in training for a marathon or simply getting into a good running practice. read more

Liked the 14 mile advanced run (around 7:30 pace at front to 9:20 at rear) with say 30 people today. Pretty flat. Largely retracing last 7 miles of LA Marathon course backwards and then forwards. Thankfully not too hot or muggy. Sorry to say no photos today. Maybe next week. read more

After years of training on my own and finishing a total of 5 marathons, I couldn't get past my PR any longer... As much as I hate to have to wake up at a certain time for an "organized run", I figured training with a group would help me train harder then I could on my own. That's where the "Faster Leggers" came in. I ran reasonably fast for the time trial last week, and was invited to join this group. I thought I'd do horrible, but the first 8 mile run yesterday was great! I tried to save my breath the first part of the run, but got caught up in lots of mini distraction conversations that made the run much easier to finish. Plenty of people that weren't quite sure of their abilities like me, and I think most people came out of this thinking "I didn't know I could run that fast!" Looking forward to the many weeks of running with the great group of people, and hopefully crushing my PR of 3:57! Wish me luck! read more

I have been an active member of Nike Run Club for months but when I signed up for my first marathon, I knew I needed to start looking for a club with higher mileage.... that's when I found LA Leggers! Things I love about the LA Leggers - Price Annual fee of $70 per year... which in my opinion is a steal!! They organize runs every Saturday and provide water/snack stations during AND after your run!! (Bananas, Bagels, Water, PB&J sandwiches and more!) The membership fee also includes a free LA Leggers shirt - granted.... it's not the prettiest shirt on the block... but the quality is great (dry-fit/absorbs sweat). Plus, sometimes at 5:30am, it's all the motivation to get me out of bed - knowing I paid $70 to run, I better make my money worth it! Quality Do you get bang for your buck? Most certainly!!!! In addition to all the perks listed above, you are assigned a mentor who assists you with training and preparing for your next race (whether it be a marathon or half marathon). They offer great tips and advice on anything from posture to breathing techniques. If you're a new runner and training for the LA Marathon, LA Leggers provides an entire training plan for the season. You are given a login for their online website where you have a "virtual goodie bag" that consists of promotions exclusively for LA Leggers only (i.e. LA Sports Massage, Paulseth & Associates Physical Therapy, Road Runner Sports, Fleet Feet, Fit2Run, and marathon entrance fee discounts too!) Parking Free parking in nearby structures for first 90 minutes. (I usually park in the structure on Broadway or 2nd Street) Other Tidbits - It does not matter what level you are - beginner, intermediate or advance.... there is a pace group for everyone! They even have groups for walkers and you are not committed to the same pace group, you can move up whenever you feel ready to kick it up a notch. What I love most about LA Leggers are the people and the volunteers. Everyone is very inviting, encouraging and friendly. I just can't explain the excitement and how much I look forward to Saturdays now. It's truly a great group of people who come together to share their love of running every Saturday morning (at 6:30am! ...Sometimes 7:30 when we have shorter runs). When I first heard of people driving from Orange County just to run with LA Leggers, I used to think they were crazy... but now I am guilty of doing just the same! read more

Want to walk or run a 5K, 10K, half marathon or even a marathon? Then look no further than the L.A.Leggers. They will take any couch potato, out of shape, never ran a yard individual and train you for success. $65 for over 30 weeks of training, a tech shirt, running materials and books, you can't beat it. Every saturday, mentors take you out in groups and help you through the mileage. From 1 mile on week 1 to 26 miles just in time for the LA Marathon. Support stations with electrolyte drinks, for and first are provided for the members at no extra charge. Whether you are a Boston qualifier running 5 minute miles or the average joe walking 20 minute miles, there is a pace group for everyone. Everyone is friendly and supportive from start to finish. A great organization. Go Leggers!!!! www.laleggers.org read more

I learned about the Leggers 6 years ago through a friend. This amazing running group helped me complete my first marathon. I can't say enough about the mentors I've trained with. Their encouraging words and advise are priceless! Member fee is extremely reasonable considering all that's provided (shirt, educational talks, training manual, pace groups, support stations). Highly recommend joining!! read more

I never thought I'd ever enjoy waking up early on a Saturday to run tons of miles, but I do. I really, REALLY do. This will be my second year with the Leggers and I think they will be stuck with me for many years after this one. Running isn't usually fun for me and probably for most people, but running with a group is different. Having the right group of people around you putting in the same hard work simply keeps you motivated. It also helps that each group is so large you could almost talk to a new person every week. Running and talking might seem odd, but it's the best way to help pass the time when you're out there running 15+ miles! Of course the group doesn't start at 15 miles. They start training you from 1 mile all the way up to 22 miles so that you are ready to run the Los Angeles marathon! There are also tons of individual running groups inside of the whole Leggers group. They call them pace groups. They go from running a 7 minute mile pace up to a 13.5 minute mile pace group and all the ones in between as well as walking groups. They also just added another group called the breakout group. They are helping anyone who wants to go from walking to running. Not ready to train for a full marathon. You can also sign up to train for a half marathon. Running a Marathon isn't easy but just waking up and getting to the training run is the real battle. Just show up and the rest is taken care of! read more

LA Leggers - Pace group 11.5s! - Sports Clubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I've been running on my own on and off for over 20yrs and I've only dreamed about running a marathon (but I've never ran over 7miles on my own, and 26.2 miles sounded crazy)! So Im on my usual run along the beach bikepath and here comes these crowds of organized runners running in a line. Their shirts said "LA LEGGERS" I went home and googled them and the rest is history! They meet up and train close to my neighborhood in Santa Monica and they have a basically fool proof training program. It starts with 1 mile the first week, increasing by 1 mile each week and working their way up to 26 miles over a 6 month period. I give thanks this happy and SUPER ORGANIZED group of people for training me to complete the 2013 LA Marathon (my first marathon)! I just signed up for my 2nd season! woot woot!!! 2014 LA Marathon here I come! The LA LEGGERS are the happiest group of people I've ever met! Thank you LEGGERS!!! ** update 10/1/2015 - I am still with the LEGGERS and now training for my 7th marathon! MONICA read more

Midlife crisis? Weekend & Holiday blahs? Fat Tuesday feasts, weekly? Need a Magic Bullet for good health & long life...? RUN and be active! You can't find a better way to stay active than with the Leggers! Take it from an old fart who's been in & out for nearly 20 years. I'm back and in it 4 LIFE! read more

I'm back for my 3rd season with the Leggers. Hoping to take it All THE WAY this time! This is truly an amazing and inspiring group of humans! I usually like to do things by myself, hit the gym, workout,etc, but there is something about Saturday group runs that are so exciting and calming at the same time. I can't explain it. Also, the knowledge that you'll receive week after week is nothing short of awesome!! I can't recommend it enough. Side note, there are groups for walkers as well, can't beat that! read more

Alright, I'll admit it, I'm a new member. So far I've run my one mile pace run, then ran with my pace group twice (first a 2 mile then a 3 mile). I am NOT a runner or an athlete, but after some health issues, I realized I had to get my booty in gear. So I started running on my own. FIne, great, but I hit a wall and almost gave up. Enter the Leggers. They are motivating, fun and it gets me out there on a regular basis. I'm not sure if I'll get up to marathon distance, but in the end it doesn't matter. I'm getting great advice, have a mentor who is super helpful, and am running on a regular basis. I highly encourage joining! read more

What a great first season with the LA Leggers. I kind of joined by accident when a friend suggested it. The three of us signed up on Orientation day. We were all not real runners and two of us signed up for the marathon and finished it. What a great support from the mentors of each running group. I ran two half marathon and a full marathon during the season, made some new friends, learned about about running, what shoes to wear, what clothes to wear, what to buy, to eat, everything....I've learned so much and am so thankful to everyone in the volunteer basis organization. I also volunteered to work at the Leggers booth at the EXPO for the LA Marathon. You really meet some cool people and learn so much along the way. The almost weekly talks every Saturdays were very valuable too for first time runners. The season Aug to Mar was awesome...and even after the marathon, people still meet in Santa Monica on Saturdays to run. Some groups are more social than others but everyone is friendly and you have lots to talk about in running. It was a great experience and I will most likely be back next year :) read more

typing words into a white box cannot adequately express the amount of incredible enthusiasm with which i write this review of the LA leggers. i truly think that this group is one of the best things to ever happen to me & my running 'career.' ask anyone i know - they will tell you that jenn loves being a legger. i am running the LA marathon for the first time in march 2010, & before i started training with the leggers, the idea of running 26.2 miles was laughable. i was hesitant to join at first - what if the other runners are rude & pretentious? what if i don't like running with a group? am i really okay with sacrificing my friday nites for seven months? all of these concerns were quickly washed away upon my first run with the group. leggers is run [figuratively & literally, har har] entirely by volunteers, & the mentors i've ran with are some of the most supportive, approachable, kindest people i've met in LA. no pretension or condescending attitudes here, just a bunch of regular people of all shapes, sizes, & ages that are passionate about running. we are deep into the training season now & i just ran my SECOND 20 mile distance run. the marathon is not so unattainable now, & i really, truly, honestly have the LA leggers to thank for it! read more

What can I say that hasn't already been said about this crazy fun group? I am a walker with the Leggers with the toughest, most persistent group, the 18's (aka the slowest group). This will be my third year with this incredible group and I will then be completing my third LA Marathon (we are both a runner and walker friendly group). I say that we are the most persistent group and the toughest because despite our pace we get it done! We can be out there on the race course for twice as long as the runners so physically we must be tough, not fast, but tough. Not necessarily tough in a brawny sort of way but mentally tough. A lot of it is mental. The great part of this group is that we tend to walk/run in the areas the marathon traverses so it is a big help when it comes to the actual race because when other people either start to give into the mileage or feel they can't go on your brain is hardwired to the fact that you are ridiculously close to the finish line. We also tend to group or pair up so you aren't alone. If you do find yourself physically alone you really aren't. We have a check-in service on race day where if you don't show up to our race day meeting point we have people checking in on you. We also have refreshments and snacks available during the marathon that are very much welcomed and needed. When other folks stare at our tables you could be eating off of them. If you feel that you are not good enough to do this let me tell you this: We may convince ourselves that we are not good, enough, fast enough, young enough or maybe even slim enough but as long as you can put one foot in front of the other and your doctor is okay with it we want you to join us! If you have the will we have the way. The Leggers will provide you with the training and information (and on long training days snacks and hydration!) you need to be successful. As a walker, we are out there for so long we forge great friendships and camaraderie. Don't worry if you don't know everything that is what we are here for! As a member you are also entitled to great morning talks that give you what you need to know to be successful in your quest to either finish a marathon, a half marathon or heck, even your local 5k! If you don't want to race that's okay too. The point is, you can do this! Not sure if you want to commit? Just try us out for one session, you have nothing to lose! And if your goal is to get faster, we can also help! Quite honestly, I consider many people in this group to be like family. I have walked down the street and greeted simply because of the shirt I am wearing. Hope to see you soon! read more

For years, I avoided exercise, but finally realized I'm not getting any younger and I had to do something to get in shape before I wound up a bent over old lady. There was a woman in my church who'd run something like 20 marathons, starting when she was in her 60's. I wanted to be like her. She was a Legger. So I joined. Everything everyone else is saying in these reviews is true. It's an amazing group. Positive, encouraging people. Fabulous training. Awesome clinics. At age 62, I walked my first marathon, and now I'm running. Really, in my sixties, and thanks to the Leggers, injury-free. Leggers has introduced me to so much joy, such great people. Leggers is the best! read more

One day I have this crazy idea and told people that I am going to run the marathon. I mean I haven't run since I am in junior high and only believe that shopping is actually a form of sports. LAME isn't it!! Then I decided to join the premiere running and walking club in LA, "the marvelous LA Leggers." The training starts on the first week of August until the D day. We run along Santa Monica beach as a group every Saturday morning and you will meet hundreds of runners from beginners to the very best. The mentors are great and all of them are avid marathoners. The start times are varied depending on how many miles you're running that day. After the running we all meet at the senior center for some marathon tips or other health tips. Bagels, bananas and sport drinks are provided each week after each running sessions. So for any of you who have the crazy idea or ready to take the challenge to finish a marathon will definitely need to join the marvelous LA Leggers. I finished my first marathon this year and promise will train with them again for the next one. The fee is only $55/year and you will get the benefit of training, feeling fit, and meeting new friends while enjoying the beautiful view of Santa monica beach on a saturday morning. read more

Best running group ever for the LA Marathon. It was my first time joining Leggers to train for the LA Marathon 2013 and it was a wonderful experience. I HIGHLY recommend them!!! For a small membership fee (I think about $60-$70) you get a t-shirt, running book, snacks, a guidebook with their training schedule, and motivational speakers who give helpful tips about the marathon, how to pick out shoes, etc. Best of all, on the actual race day, they rent out the ballroom at the DoubleTree Hotel in Santa Monica where you have a place to put your things. They also provided three fuel stations during the marathon (which comes in very handy) and after the race was over, they offered complimentary massages from LA Sports Massage at the ballroom and this felt SO GOOD after I was done. An added bonus are the people you meet and get to know in your running group. With all of these benefits, joining LA Leggers was truly the best choice. The services that they offer you on race day alone is totally worth the membership fee. If you ever wanted to train for the LA Marathon, Leggers is the way to do it! read more

the la leggers are a very large running group that meet every saturday morning at the senior citizens center in santa monica, and the purpose of the group, beyond having a great time, is to train for a marathon. the group is overwhelmingly positive and supportive of everyone who shows up, and no matter how difficult it is to drag myself out of bed on saturday morning i'm always happy i went and ran. no matter what kind of shape you're in, you can find a pace group that's right for you. it is difficult to jump into the leggers mid season because they do run set mileage and are already at the 13/14 mile mark for pasadena and the la marathon training programs. however, many people will run part of the mileage and turn back well before the entire run is over and nobody looks down on them for doing so. having run with other groups before that i will not mention, the leggers are by far the classiest act of them all and i'm always thrilled when i get a chance to run with them. read more

This is a great group of peoples, last year I started running for the first time and group the LA Leggers. I was able to complete the LA Marathon in March of 2012. I look forward to my Saturday morning runs in Santa Monica with the Leggers. Come out and join this great group. read more

I walked my first LA Marathon this year, thanks to the awesome training provided by LA Leggers! What outrageous value they give for such a small fee. Great education, great training, great friends, great time! What are you waiting for? read more

I actually trained for one marathon before joining The LA Leggers and it wasn't fun. The same route, the same music, the same people (me alone). Fast forward a few years. I no longer need music because now I have 40+ runners who all run at about the same speed. When you have people to talk to the miles do go by pretty darn quick. The Leggers really is a social group as well as a running/walking group. In my opinion that is what makes this group different from some of the other marathon training groups. What other group has a year-end party at a yacht club or country club? Other perks include water stations, bananas & bagels after the run, and a cool shirt. There is a pace group for everyone so don't be scared that you aren't fast enough. And if you've never run before, well they do start at 1 mile. For those who like to run fast, there are groups for you too. Did I mention that I qualified for the Boston Marathon? Yes that's right, thanks to the Leggers and the wonderful mentors I made it to the big one. You can too! read more