FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
40 Days Until the 40th: Los Angeles Marathon Set for Historic Running
with Over 25,000 Participants
- Milestone 40th anniversary is set for Sunday, March 16th featuring the
iconic 'Stadium to the Stars' course running from Dodger Stadium to Century
City
- The McCourt Foundation launches 'Together LA' initiative to unite
marathoners and Angelenos in support of wildfire affected communities:
TogetherLA.LAmarathon.com
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 4, 2025 - In just 40 days, the streets of Los
Angeles will be filled with a sold-out field of more than 25,000 runners,
walkers, and wheelchair athletes as they gather at Dodger Stadium to
commence the 40th running of the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS.
Participants will journey through 19 of the city's communities, including
Chinatown, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood,
culminating their 26.2-mile trek in fitting L.A. fashion on Santa Monica
Boulevard at the Avenue of the Stars.
"What makes the Los Angeles Marathon special is what makes all marathons
special," said the marathon's legacy TV broadcaster Toni Reavis. "It's a
day for the city to come together. It shows off the city and brings out the
best in people."
The first Los Angeles Marathon was held in 1986 and was inspired by the
success of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, which featured the first women's
marathon in the Olympic Games. The world was captivated by USA's Joan
Benoit Samuelson's gold medal performance in 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 52
seconds. Benoit Samuelson demonstrated incredible resolve that year. In
March, just 17 days before the U.S. Olympic Trials, she underwent
arthroscopic surgery to repair a knee injury. She won the Trials, and then
three months later, an Olympic gold medal was draped around her neck.
Like Benoit Samuelson's resolve, the Los Angeles Marathon has played a role
in helping the community recover from past pains. In 1992, the city was
rocked by the Rodney King riots. Months later, the city and its diverse
population came together for the 26.2-mile challenge that is the Los
Angeles Marathon.
This year, the marathon hopes to play a similar role in bringing the
community together from January's destructive fires.
"We're all in this together," said Murphy Reinschreiber, COO of The McCourt
Foundation. "Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating
wildfires in Los Angeles County. This is why we launched Together LA to
unite the running community in providing direct financial support to those
impacted."
The McCourt Foundation launched Together LA in response to the catastrophic
wildfires in Los Angeles County. One hundred percent of net proceeds from
the sale of limited-edition Together LA merchandise will directly support
the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and the California Fire
Foundation.
"There's something about a marathon," said Reavis. "It's a very long and
difficult goal to reach. Even on the sidelines, people understand that. It
brings people together in a shared challenge. The marathon is a
manifestation of what we're called to do and what we're capable of doing.
The marathoners will show us the way."
The 2025 Los Angeles Marathon has sold out of general entries, but those
still looking to participate can sign up with Team TMF, the official
fundraising team of The McCourt Foundation, or one of the many official
Nonprofit Partnership Program partners with entries remaining.
Event weekend begins with a two-day Lifestyle Expo at Dodger Stadium
starting Friday, March 14. The Big 5 Sporting Goods LA 5K starts at 8 a.m.
on Saturday, March 15. Future marathoners ages 3 to 8 can join in the LA
Kids Run presented by Circle K also on Saturday morning.
The 40th Los Angeles Marathon kicks off Sunday with the professional
wheelchair start at 6:30 a.m. at Dodger Stadium. This year's marathon
features 93 Legacy Runners who have completed all previous editions. For
more information on the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS, visit
LAMarathon.com.
For more information or to support Together LA, visit
TogetherLA.LAmarathon.com.
About The McCourt Foundation / Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS
The McCourt Foundation (TMF) is dedicated to empowering communities to
build a healthier world through its commitment to research, education, and
impactful events. Established in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization, TMF has offices in Boston, MA, and Los Angeles, CA. The
foundation's mission is centered on curing neurological diseases and
fostering community initiatives that promote overall health and wellness.
TMF actively contributes to neurology research, hosts educational forums,
and leverages its signature events to raise funds and awareness. These
events include the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS, the Rose Bowl
Half Marathon & 5K, the Santa Monica Classic, and the Boston Waterfront 5K.
Through these platforms, TMF has donated more than $6.7 million to
neurology research and has generated over $72 million for more than 105
nonprofit charity partners throughout the 40-year history of the Los
Angeles Marathon. For more information about the Los Angeles Marathon
presented by ASICS and The McCourt Foundation's other community-building
events, visit LAMarathon.com.
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