Running Map - Ballona Creek Bike Path
Ballona Creek Bike Path
When I lived in Los Angeles, this used to be part of a much longer Sunday run. There can be a heavy wind in your face as you run towards the shore, but that also means you have a nice wind to your back as you head inland.
Marina Del Rey to Culver City
If my memory serves me correct, there are mile markers so you can get some nice splits. Though it is a relatively easy run, there are some rolling hills as the path dips below the main streets. Also, there is limited shade, so hot days can get really hot. Some people complain that this run takes you through questionable neighborhoods, but I ran there for 6 years without a problem. Just use your common sense and find a partner to run with if you are uncertain. There's almost 7 miles of bike path in each direction.
Here's a list of the bike path entrances
- Duquesne Avenue
- Overland Avenue
- Ocean Drive
- Sepulveda Boulevard
- Sawtelle Avenue
- Slauson Avenue
- Inglewood Boulevard
- Centinela Avenue
- McConnell Avenue
- Lincoln Boulevard
- Marina Del Rey
Want More?
The two obvious extensions are the bike paths along the beach to the north (Venice Beach) and to the south (Redondo Beach), also known as The Strand. There are two other side routes that add in a couple extra interesting miles to this run.
Ballona Wetlands
Now, this isn't the best running surface nor is it the most beautiful, but there are days when I just wanted to hop onto some soft surface running or get a change of scenery. There are some natural paths and if you run the perimeter of the main section you'll get about 1.75 mile loop.
West LA Community College Track
If you want to add some speed work in, West LA Community College is not too far off the bike path. Just exit at that Overland Avenue and head southwest until you reach the West LA entrance (about a half mile), and then run to the far end of Freshman Drive to the track. There is also the Culver City High School track that you see in the left side of the photo, but I've never run there. If you know about its availability, please post it in the message board.
Talk with other runners about Ballona Creek at our message board.