The 2017 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon will add a number of innovative partnerships, charitable efforts and sponsorship activations for this year’s race.
The race takes place on Sunday, March 19. More than 24,000 runners from all 50 states and 63 countries will race the “Stadium to the Sea” course from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica Pier, establishing the race as the fourth largest marathon in the U.S. and the 10th largest worldwide.
“This promises to be the most exciting and innovate race in our 32-year history,” said Tracey Russell, chief executive of Conqur Endurance Group. “From our strong field of professional athletes, to unique partnerships, community efforts and sponsor activations, we’re confident that athletes, volunteers and the whole Los Angeles community will enjoy a remarkable and memorable race weekend.”
Through a partnership with Snapchat, runners and spectators at the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon will have a way to commemorate their experiences on social media by using more than 40 Snapchat Geofilters designed for the race. The location-based Geofilters will be available in the Snapchat app along all 26.2 miles of the course.
The Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon will host the city’s NFL team, the LA Chargers, who will participate in this year’s race by running their own 13-person relay. LA Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman, General Manager Tom Telesco, Chargers Cheerleaders and Super Fans will make up the team.
Skechers Performance returns in 2017 as the official title sponsor of the race, with new activations and a limited-edition footwear and apparel collection. The brand is also launching the GoRun Forza 2 “Fo Sho” sneaker model in a limited release – only available at the Skechers Performance official race merchandise booth at the official Health & Fitness Expo – which plays up Los Angeles themes with graphics highlighting landmarks and imagery from the city.
The 2017 race will also welcome new and returning partners within the endurance and lifestyle spaces, including Fitbit, Angel City Brewery, Air France, Clif, Muscle Milk, Big 5 Sporting Goods, 2XU, Gatorade Endurance and UPS.
The event’s app, powered by Fitbit, allows runners, spectators and the Los Angeles community access to race information, the course map and social media tools to enhance their experience.
New this year, athletes will be able to access a marathon radio player through the app with three curated playlists designed to motivate during their run. The app will also give athletes the opportunity to sync their Fitbits and have their steps included on a Marathon Finisher Badge. The app is available for free download in the App Store and Google Play.
On March 18, the day before the marathon, people of all ages and abilities will take part in the 2017 LA BIG 5K at Dodger Stadium. The family-friendly event features views of Los Angeles as the course takes people through Elysian Park before a finish set against the backdrop of Dodger Stadium.
The event is also supporting 95 charity partners through its Official Charity Program. This year’s program is expected to raise $4 million for the charity partners’ causes.
Conqur Endurance Group is continuing its support of the Students Run LA program (SRLA), which provides at-risk high school students with mentors and coaching to train for the race throughout the school year. During the 28-year partnership with SRLA, the marathon organizer has provided $6.5 million worth of free marathon entries to local high school students in the program. Conqur is supporting SRLA this year with 3,500 free marathon entries for students and mentors.
The Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the LA Convention Center on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18 will feature interactive exhibits, live entertainment, the race’s official merchandise store and product trials. More than 120 exhibitors will have a presence at the Expo, featuring new designs in running gear as well as the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition.
For more information and to register, visit lamarathon.com.
Photo courtesy Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon
