Asics, title sponsor of the Asics LA Marathon, will celebrate the 30th edition of the race by honoring its history and creating a series of larger-than-life activations across Los Angeles.

Using the theme, “It's a Big Race. Go Run It.” from the brand's new global ad campaign, Asics will create a dramatic first-of-its-kind moment on Friday, March 13, the eve of Marathon weekend, lighting up LA's night sky with a series of high-powered spotlights marking every mile along the Stadium to Sea course from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica.  The spotlight installation will include 124 spotlights, totaling over 7.5 million lumens – the equivalent of 29,100 light bulbs, which is the largest known marathon course lighting activation ever, and will be visible from high vantage points all around the city.  

“The Asics LA Marathon is a premier date on the running calendar and 2015 is a year of celebration,” said Kevin Wulff, Asics America Corporation President and CEO.  “We are proud to highlight the significance and impact of this great race and the people and moments that have played a significant role in the race's past, present and future through our activities this year.  We want to wish good luck to all the runners competing in the race this year including our elite runners Ryan Hall, Sara Hall, Lauren Jimison, Daniel Tapia and Becky Wade.”

Asics SPOTLIGHT ON 30 BIG YEARS

Spotlight Series 

Leading up to the race, Asics will unveil a multimedia series across Asics social media channels highlighting the contributions of individuals, groups and stories that have played an important role in the history of the race, including interviews with a collection of the 178 “Legacy Runners,” who have run every single LA Marathon, and features on Asics elite athletes Ryan and Sara Hall, America's most famous running couple, who will compete in the race for the first time against the deepest elite field in event history.

Asics will unveil an interactive course map featuring videos, photos and shareable infographics that highlight everything from how marathon training has changed to a look at LA Marathon medals through the years to the role of charity in race participation. 

Runner's Choice Award

To commemorate the people who have helped make the Asics LA Marathon the great race that it is today, Asics is asking the public to nominate someone who has made a big impact on the race itself or their experience participating – from a charity team captain to a long-time volunteer to a supportive family member.  The individual with the most votes will win a $500 Asics gift card and their story will be spotlighted on Asics social media. The nomination form will be made available on the Asics America Facebook page from March 5 – 12, 2015.

Asics BIG RACE CUP ART INSTALLATION

Run It Forward LA

From March 12 –15, visitors to the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica will have the opportunity to see the Asics “Big Race Cup” art installation. Asics has partnered with Back on My Feet, a non-profit creating independence and self-sufficiency within homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.  For any person who snaps a “running” photo in front of the “Big Race Cup” and shares the image on Twitter or Instagram using the #RunItForwardLA hashtag, Asics will make a $20 donation to Back on My Feet up to $26,200.

On Saturday, March 14, Asics will host a three-hour “Asics Running Man” event from 12-3pm local time, where people can compete for prizes in front of the art installation. Attendees also will have an opportunity to meet Asics elite athletes including Olympic hurdler Queen Harrison.  

RUNNING STYLE

To commemorate the 30th edition of the race, Asics launched the 2015 LA Marathon 33-DFA™ shoe, available for both men and women.  The shoe's design celebrates the 30th edition and acknowledges the milestone with a “News Flash.”  The print was inspired by newsprint paper mache and the art resembles torn newsprint highlighting the various marathon route destinations on the Stadium to Sea course.

The special edition shoes and a full line of official Asics LA Marathon merchandise are available at Asics stores, select retailers, the Asics LA Marathon expo and online at www.asicsamerica.com.