Happy Valentine’s Day Half Marathon

Terrain & Profile

The course routes are laid out primarily within Griffith Park’s trail and park road network. According to the organizer’s description, the route crosses from the lawn area near the Merry-Go-Round picnic space onto a hard-packed dirt trail shared with equestrians and recreational users, marked with cones and signs. This mix of natural trail and paved segments creates a moderately rolling course — more engaging than purely paved city streets but not as demanding as technical mountain trail races.

Surface & Course Feel

Runners should expect varying surfaces: packed dirt, park-road asphalt, and mixed park path segments. The dirt portions add a softer feel underfoot, while paved stretches allow runners to lock into pace. The event is not a closed or certified road course; rather, it uses shared park space where runners must be courteous to other park users.

Mile-by-Mile Experience

Miles 1–3: Early multi-distance traffic sees runners moving through the grassy start area and onto wider park trails.

Miles 4–8 (Half Marathon): The half marathon typically loops along park trails and roads, with gentle rollers that keep pacing interesting.

Miles 9–12: Continued park perimeter routing brings runners past shaded groves and scenic open spaces.

Final Mile: The course returns toward the start/finish area near Crystal Springs Drive for a festive finish.