Photo © Hanna Tverdokhlib | Dreamstime.com
In what is being described as “an unprecedented show of unity,” four major marathons (the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS, New York Road Runners (NYRR) – the nonprofit that produces the TCS New York City Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the Boston Athletic Association – organizers of the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America) are issuing special branded merch with 100 percent of net proceeds going to Together LA, a fire relief initiative.
Together LA is spearheaded by The McCourt Foundation to aid those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. The co-brand limited-edition Together LA merchandise will be offered, with100% of net proceeds benefiting Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and the California Fire Foundation. These funds will provide emergency relief, assist displaced families, and support long-term recovery efforts.
“The running community is built on resilience, determination, and solidarity,” said Brian McCourt, president of The McCourt Foundation. “By uniting the most iconic marathons in the country, Together LA is turning that spirit into action—delivering direct, meaningful support to those in need.”
The four marathons take place across the race calendar, as well as across the country:
- The 40th running of the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS will be held on March 16, 2025. The Los Angeles Marathon is hosted by The McCourt Foundation, whose events also include the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, the Santa Monica Classic and the Boston Waterfront 5K.
- The 129th Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 21, 2025. The Boston Athletic Association manages the Boston Marathon and supports comprehensive charity, youth and year-round programming. The economic impact of the 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America produced $509 million in state and local economic activity.
- In its 47th year on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will welcome thousands of participants from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, including a world-class professional athlete field, top regional and Masters runners, race veterans, debut marathoners and charity participants.
- Scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 participants, from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities and backgrounds.
The collaboration underscores the power of sports to drive positive change. Leaders from each participating organization emphasized the importance of standing with Los Angeles and using their platforms to make a difference:
“At New York Road Runners, we believe in the transformative power of running to unite and uplift communities, especially in times of need,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners. “Our hearts are with the individuals and families impacted, and we are proud to stand alongside the running community in this effort to help Los Angeles residents and Los Angeles County recover.”
“Running can be a powerful tool for not only improving our own lives, but also the lives of others in our local, national and global communities through fundraising.” said Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director. “We’re proud to join the Los Angeles, Boston and New York City Marathons to support those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.”
Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association, said, “The Boston Athletic Association is proud to join Together LA in support of those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. Connections in the running world are powerful, we are always better together, and this is a time for us to demonstrate that we stand as one.”
The partnership officially launches with the Together LA co-branded merchandise collection, available now at togetherla.lamarathon.com. In addition to financial contributions, supporters are encouraged to spread awareness within their networks to maximize the initiative’s reach.
In a separate effort, the LA Marathon teamed up with Strava to get runners from across the USA to run for the Together LA Wildfire Relief Run. As part of relief efforts on March 1, Strava had noted, it would donate $20,000 to support the Together LA wildfire relief efforts.
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