Largest U.S. Marathons Unite for Wildfire Relief: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Boston Join Forces Through Together LA

February 20, 2025

Iconic Races Join Forces to Aid California Wildfire Victims 40th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS to Take Place Sunday, March 16, 2025

LOS ANGELES – February 20, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – In an unprecedented show of unity, 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 have come together to support Together LA, an initiative spearheaded by The McCourt Foundation to aid those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.

As part of this collaboration, the four organizations will co-brand limited-edition Together LA merchandise, with 100% 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.”

A NATIONWIDE EFFORT TO DRIVE IMPACT

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 – organizer of the Boston Marathon, presented by Bank of America – 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.

GET INVOLVED

To purchase Together LA merchandise and support wildfire relief efforts, visit togetherla.lamarathon.com.

TOGETHER, WE RUN. TOGETHER, WE RISE. TOGETHER LA.

About Together LA
Together LA is a fundraising initiative led by The McCourt Foundation and the Los Angeles Marathon to provide direct financial support to communities impacted by wildfires in Los Angeles County. 100% of net proceeds from this campaign go directly to Community Organized Relief (CORE) and California Fire Foundation and their wildfire relief efforts.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

A New York City-based nonprofit, New York Road Runners’ vision is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running – serving nearly a half a million New Yorkers annually through its races, free community events, youth running initiatives, and school-based programs across the five boroughs. During its nearly 70 years, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, producing more than 60 adult and youth races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon. Held the first Sunday each November, the TCS New York City Marathon features more than 50,000 runners—from the world’s best professional athletes to a vast range of runners across experience levels, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

About the Boston Athletic Association

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. 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. The 129th Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 21, 2025.

The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

About the Bank of America Chicago Marathon

In its 47^th 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. The race’s iconic course takes participants through 29 vibrant neighborhoods on an architectural and cultural tour of Chicago. Annually, more than a million spectators line the streets cheering on tens of thousands of participants from the start line to the final stretch down Columbus Drive. As a result of the race’s national and international draw, the Chicago Marathon assists in raising millions of dollars for a variety of charitable causes while generating over $547 million in annual economic impact to its host city. The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, will start and finish in Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 12. In advance of the race, a three-day Abbott Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place Convention Center on Thursday, October 9, Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11. For more information about the event and how to get involved, go to chicagomarathon.com.

About The McCourt Foundation

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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