Los Angeles Marathon Partners with Badges and Medals to Launch Sustainable Medal Program

December 12, 2024

Collaboration Marks Milestone 40th Edition with Recycled Medals and Ocean Plastics Initiative

LOS ANGELES – December 12, 2024 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS proudly announces Badges And Medals as the Official Medal Partner and a supporting sponsor of its Sustainability Program, ahead of the milestone 40th annual event on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

“We are thrilled to welcome Badges And Medals as an official partner,” said Karen O’Connell, Head of Sponsorship at The McCourt Foundation (TMF), the event’s organizer. “Their commitment to sustainability, ethical practices and innovative designs aligns perfectly with our values. As we approach the 40th running of the marathon, we are not only creating a memorable experience for our runners but also making a tangible impact on the environment and global communities.”

The 2025 Los Angeles Marathon will welcome more than 26,000 participants take on the iconic 26.2-mile Stadium-to-the-Stars course, beginning at Dodger Stadium and concluding near Avenue of the Stars in Century City. The partnership with Badges And Medals underscores a longstanding commitment to integrating sustainability into every facet of marathon weekend.

As part of the three-year partnership, all medals distributed at TMF events, including the Los Angeles Marathon, will be made from 100% recycled metals. Each medal will prevent two plastic bottles from entering the ocean and will be packaged in eco-friendly paper, replacing single-use plastic bags. Additionally, trees will be planted in the Amazon rainforest to offset the carbon emissions generated by shipping.

“This year alone, The McCourt Foundation’s medal program will stop 152,450 plastic bottles—equivalent to three tons of waste—from polluting the environment,” said Hamish Larsen, CEO of Badges And Medals. “By collecting this plastic, individuals in vulnerable communities will not only earn a fair income but also gain access to life-changing resources such as health insurance and school supplies. This partnership demonstrates that it’s possible to deliver exceptional medals while being environmentally and socially responsible.”

For more information on the Los Angeles Marathon and its sustainability efforts, visit www.lamarathon.com.

About BADGES AND MEDALS: 

Badges And Medals is on a mission to revolutionize the medal industry using their three-step ‘Create, Make, Celebrate’ methodology. In ‘Create’, they draw on their 50 years of experience and world-leading design studio to create medals that get noticed. Through ‘Make’, they combine ethical manufacturing with clear and regular updates, so events know exactly where their order stands. In ‘Celebrate’, they build partnerships that work for everyone, supporting events with custom sustainability programs and marketing to boost their impact. For more information, visit www.badgesandmedals.com

About The McCourt Foundation/Los Angeles Marathon

The McCourt Foundation (TMF) empowers communities to build a healthier world through research, education, and events. TMF’s mission is to cure neurological diseases while empowering communities to build a healthier world. TMF makes a difference by donating to neurology research, hosting educational forums, and using our events such as the Los Angeles Marathon, Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, Santa Monica Classic, Boston Waterfront 5K, and Tour de South Shore, as platforms to raise funds for over 105 nonprofit charity partners. Since its inception, TMF has donated more than $6.3 million to neurology research and generated more than $70M for nonprofit charity partners over the 40-year history of the Los Angeles Marathon.  Established in 1992, TMF is a 501 (c)(3) with offices in Boston, MA and Los Angeles, CA. For more information, visit www.LAMarathon.com.

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