Largest U.S. Marathons Unite for Wildfire Relief: Los Angeles, New Yor

Iconic Races Unite to Support California Wildfire Victims

In a powerful display of solidarity, four of the world’s most prestigious marathons – the Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS, the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, the Bank of america Chicago Marathon, and the TCS New york City Marathon – have joined forces to support those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. This unprecedented collaboration, dubbed “together LA,” aims to provide direct relief and assistance to communities reeling from the disaster.

The initiative, spearheaded by The McCourt Foundation and the Los Angeles Marathon, will see the participating organizations co-brand limited-edition merchandise, with 100% of net proceeds going to Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and the California Fire Foundation.These funds will be instrumental in providing emergency relief, assisting displaced families, and supporting long-term recovery efforts.

“The running community is built on resilience,determination,and solidarity,” saeid 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 Make a Difference

The unification of these renowned marathons highlights the power of sports to inspire positive change and mobilize communities. Leaders from each participating organization emphasized the importance of standing with Los Angeles and leveraging their platforms for collective impact:

“At New York Road Runners, we beleive 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 – added,“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 Together LA partnership officially launches with a co-branded merchandise collection available now at https://togetherla.lamarathon.com.Supporters are encouraged to spread awareness and maximize the initiative’s impact within their networks.

Get Involved

To contribute to wildfire relief efforts and purchase Together LA merchandise, visit https://togetherla.lamarathon.com. Together, let’s run, rise, and support California.

How can our readers contribute and support ‘Together LA’, and who are the beneficiaries of the net proceeds?

Archyde Interview: United in Solidarity, Running for a Cause

Shelley Norman, Executive director, The Marathon Series, and Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO, New York Road Runners

Archyde: Today, we’re thrilled to have Shelley Norman, Executive Director of The Marathon Series, and Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, joining us to discuss the unprecedented collaboration of four iconic marathons in support of California wildfire victims. Welcome, Shelley and Rob.

Shelley Norman: Thank you, it’s a pleasure to be here.

Rob Simmelkjaer: Yes, thank you for having us.

Turning Resilience into Action

Archyde: Shelley, you spearheaded the ‘Together LA’ initiative.Can you tell our audience about the inspiration behind this unique partnership and its primary goal?

Shelley Norman: Absolutely. The devastating wildfires in California shed light on the immediate need for emergency relief and long-term recovery efforts. As running events, we’re built on resilience, determination, and solidarity. By uniting Boston, Chicago, and New York City Marathons, we aim to deliver direct, meaningful support to those affected through ‘Together LA.’

A Powerful show of Unity

Archyde: Rob, New York Road Runners is a strong supporter of this initiative. How do you see this collaboration leveraging the power of sports to inspire positive change?

Rob Simmelkjaer: We believe in the transformative power of running to unite and uplift communities, especially in times of need. By standing alongside the running community, we’re not just donating funds, but also raising awareness and showing solidarity with the people of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.

Maximizing Impact

Archyde: How can our readers contribute and support ‘Together LA’, and who are the beneficiaries of the net proceeds?

Shelley Norman: We’ve launched a co-branded merchandise collection. 100% of net proceeds go to Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and the California Fire Foundation. These organizations are instrumental in providing emergency relief and supporting displaced families. Supporters can purchase items at togetherla.lamarathon.com.

Rob Simmelkjaer: We encourage everyone to spread awareness and maximize the initiative’s impact within their networks as well.

Looking ahead

Archyde: How do you foresee the running community continuing to support such initiatives in the future, and what advice would you give to others looking to make an impact?

Shelley Norman: The running community has always been about unity and support. Whether it’s wildfires, hurricanes, or other disasters, we’ll continue to rally together and use our platforms to make a difference. My advice would be to find your cause and do something, no gesture is too small.

Rob Simmelkjaer: I agree. we’re more powerful when we stand together. To our readers, consider how you can leverage your networks and skills to support causes that you care about.

That’s all for today. Thank you both for your time, and thank you, readers, for your continued support. Stay tuned for more updates on ‘Together LA’ and other impactful initiatives. To contribute, visit togetherla.lamarathon.com.