UCLA Health Joins the Los Angeles Marathon as Official Health Care Partner

February 26, 2025

40th running of the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS to take place on Sunday, March 16

LOS ANGELES /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS is celebrating its milestone 40th anniversary with a groundbreaking partnership: UCLA Health has been named the marathon’s Official Health Care Partner. Next month’s sold-out event, with over 25,000 participants, marks a pivotal collaboration that will enhance the marathon experience with UCLA Health’s world-class medical services.

UCLA Health will serve as the Official Health Care Partner for the Los Angeles Marathon and its associated events, offering top-tier medical services and support to all participants. This partnership not only underscores UCLA Health’s longstanding commitment to community health but also aligns perfectly with the marathon’s mission of fostering health and wellness, perfectly aligning with The McCourt Foundation’s ethos of empowering individuals and communities to build a healthier world.

“This is a historic partnership for the Los Angeles Marathon and we are thrilled to welcome UCLA Health as a part of our running community,” said Karen O’Connell, Head of Sponsorship for The McCourt Foundation. “We trust UCLA Health to provide best-in-class medical care both on and off our race course, supporting runners and the greater LA community in their wellness journey.”

UCLA Health is renowned for its superior patient care and leading-edge research, and has consistently been ranked the No. 1 health system in Los Angeles by U.S. News & World Report. It brings a history of more than 70 years of medical expertise to the marathon, which will enhance the event’s health and safety protocols as well as ensure the best possible care for its participants.

“We are excited to join with the Los Angeles Marathon as its Official Health Care Partner,” said Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital & Clinic System. “This collaboration allows us to extend our world-class medical services to the vibrant running community of Los Angeles. We look forward to enhancing the marathon experience of all participants and contributing to a healthier, stronger community.”

The partnership extends UCLA Health’s reach beyond its five hospitals and over 280 clinics across Southern California, directly into the heart of the Los Angeles community. UCLA Health’s comprehensive services encompass everything from emergency care to specialized treatments, making it uniquely qualified to handle the diverse needs of the marathon’s participants.

Marathon weekend kicks off with a two-day Lifestyle Expo at Dodger Stadium starting Friday, March 14. The free expo, open to the public, features interactive exhibits, live entertainment, the official ASICS Merchandise Store and is where all participants pick up their race weekend bibs. UCLA Health will have a presence on site at the expo for attendees to help ensure that they are race day ready.

The Big 5 Sporting Goods LA 5K starts at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15 welcoming participants of all ages and abilities. The course, starting and finishing at Dodger Stadium, runs through Elysian Park and future marathoners ages 3-8 can join in the LA Kids Run presented by Circle K. All participants receive a race shirt, finisher’s medal, and post-race refreshments.

The 40th Los Angeles Marathon kicks off Sunday with the professional wheelchair start at 6:30 a.m. at Dodger Stadium, followed by the professional elite races and mass participation start at 7:00 a.m. The men’s race record is 2:06:35, set by Ethiopia’s Markos Geneti in 2011. The women’s record is 2:25:03, set by Delvine Meringor of Kenya in 2022. For more information on the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS, visit LAMarathon.com.

About The McCourt Foundation / Los Angeles Marathon

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 and Los Angeles. 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 www.mccourtfoundation.org.

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