Long Beach Runners Have New Opportunities to Prepare for October Marathon

May 10, 2023

Outdoor retailer REI to host “REI Summer Run Series” leading up to the 38th annual Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon on October 14-15, 2023; Partnership to kick off on Wednesday, June 7th for Global Running Day

Long Beach, CA – May 10, 2023/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon today announced a new partnership with specialty outdoor retailer REI for the 2023 event, including a series of events leading up to the races. The marathon is Southern California’s largest fall road race and will welcome over 15,000 runners back to the oceanfront streets of Long Beach for its 38^th edition on the weekend of October 14-15, 2023.

“We are excited to partner with REI, an incredible brand with a history of support from the active lifestyle community,” said Phyllis Blanchard, Director of Partnerships for the Long Beach Marathon. “Running and the outdoors are two passions shared by thousands of our participants along with their families and friends. The addition of the Run focus in REI stores is something we look forward to sharing with our audience as they gear up and log miles throughout the year.”

“REI is proud to be the Official Retailer and Community Partner for the Long Beach Marathon”, added Jo Nisha Kelly, Local Marketing Regional Manager (Southern California) at REI. “This partnership is not only aligned with our passion and commitment to the outdoors but also on our focus on the running community. We are happy to be a resource for participants and are looking forward to supporting runners leading up to and on race day”.

With this partnership and REI’s ongoing commitment to run, the co-op is poised to help runners of all skill levels confidently run outside on any surface.

“From those participating in their first marathon or seeking a new solo sport, to seasoned athletes looking to set a new personal best or explore new running routes and terrain, we’re committed to being their partner and one-stop-shop for gear, inspiration, tips, training and more,” said Fan Zhou, REI Run Activity General Director.

Plus, REI has complemented its broadened product offerings with updated in-store and digital experiences. The co-op is piloting Run Shops in their Southern California stores and deepening staff training to serve as inspiration hubs for all running gear and equipment needs.

Leading up to the Long Beach Marathon race weekend in October, the co-op will offer runners opportunities to train, learn, and connect with their community through the “REI Summer Run Series”.

Events are free to attend and open to runners of all levels. Be a part of the community at the Series kick-off event on Global Running Day, June 7^th from 5:30pm-8pm, at the REI Manhattan Beach store (1800 Rosecrans Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266). Participants will hit the pavement for a group run and return to REI for post-run festivities, including music, food, and drinks. Runners will also have access to marathon sign up discounts, REI Run Shop expertise, and the chance to receive prizes and a commemorative pint cup.

Can’t make it to the kick-off event on Global Running Day? There will be more opportunities for runners to participate in the “REI Summer Run Series” with events on July 22^nd, from 9:30am-12pm at REI Tustin, August 12^th, from 9:30am-12pm at REI Burbank, and September 21^st, from 5:30-8pm at REI Manhattan Beach. Visit RunLongBeach.com for more information on future events, training tips, and inspiration for your next run, all provided by REI.

The Long Beach Marathon has been one of the most popular and respected marathons in the country, showcasing the city’s miles of sandy beaches and unique neighborhoods. Most importantly, the event annually provides a platform for dozens of local charities and non-profit organizations to raise money for their respective causes.

Race weekend kicks off on Friday, October 12 with a two-day Health and Fitness Expo at Long Beach’s Marina Green. The free expo is open to the public and features dozens of products for sample and sale as all race participants pick up their bib number, t-shirt, and swag bag. The running gets started on Saturday morning at the Aquarium of the Pacific 5k, which is the perfect distance for runners of all abilities. Athletes can run the 5k with friends and family or use it as a shakeout run for Sunday’s races.

Sunday’s events include Long Beach Marathon Bike Tour, which provides avid and leisure cyclists the opportunity to ride on the marathon’s roads closed to vehicular traffic. It is a safe, scenic, and fully closed 20-mile course. The bike tour features all the marathon weekend experience fun without the run, including a commemorative event shirt, finishers medal, complimentary beer and more.

If you have questions or would like more information about the REI events leading up to the marathon, feel free to reach out to PRrequests@rei.com. For more information on the Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon or to register for the event, visit RunLongBeach.com and follow the Long Beach Marathon on social media @LBMarathon with hashtag #RunLongBeach.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 174 locations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

About the Long Beach Marathon

The 2023 Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on the weekend of October 14-15. Race weekend annually attracts thousands of runners with perfect Southern California weather and fast and flat courses. Participants can choose from four different events including the marathon, half marathon, 20-mile Bike Tour, or the Aquarium of the Pacific 5k. The race returns for its 38th edition year and features two days of events along the Southern California coast, offering runners iconic waterfront views of Shoreline Village and the Queen Mary Hotel. For more information about the Long Beach Marathon or to register for the event, visit RunLongBeach.com and follow @LongBeachMarathon on social media.

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