LOS ANGELES: The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon (LA Marathon) has been recognized as one of the top 10 most valuable marathon brands globally, according to the newly released Brand Finance Marathons 50 report. This groundbreaking analysis, which incorporated public perception data from runners worldwide, positions the LA Marathon at number 10, outranking prestigious international races such as Chicago, Dubai, Dublin, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seoul.
The Brand Finance Marathons 50 report identified the London Marathon as the world’s strongest marathon brand, followed by New York and Paris.
Hugo Hensley, Valuation Director at Brand Finance, commented on the significance of marathon brands, stating, “Marathons uniquely blend elite athletic competition with mass public participation and significant charitable initiatives. This is reflected in the strength and value of these brands, as well as the substantial USD5.2 billion economic impact they generate for their host cities. Marathons offer highly attractive and effective sponsorship opportunities for brands that authentically align with the events’ core values of community, charity, and competition.”
Further highlighting its impact, the LA Marathon ranked 9th in economic impact, generating an impressive $122 million for Los Angeles. This figure places it alongside major cultural events like the Oscars, which generate $134 million for the city.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, the Marathon remains Los Angeles’s largest and longest-running community event, drawing thousands of runners and spectators from across the globe. The 2025 Lifestyle Expo, held at the iconic Dodger Stadium, attracted more than 70,000 attendees and featured 80 vendors, demonstrating the event’s expanding influence beyond the race itself. The LA Marathon has recently attracted significant sponsorship from high-profile non-endemic brands such as UCLA Health, KIA, and Michelob Ultra, typically associated with the city’s professional sports teams.
Participants in the LA Marathon experience a memorable journey through Los Angeles’s most iconic landmarks, including the Disney Concert Hall, Capitol Records, Rodeo Drive, and culminating on the Avenue of the Stars in Century City, the heart of the entertainment industry.
The LA Marathon is owned and operated by The McCourt Foundation (TMF), an organization dedicated to empowering communities through research, education, and events. TMF’s mission focuses on finding cures for neurological diseases while supporting over 105 nonprofit charity partners. Since its inception, TMF has donated more than $6.7 million to neurology research and generated $76 million for nonprofit organizations through its signature events, including the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, Rose Bowl Half Marathon, Santa Monica Classic, and Boston Waterfront 5K.
About the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon:
The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is Los Angeles’ largest and longest-running community sporting event. Annually, it attracts thousands of participants from around the world to run through the iconic streets of Los Angeles. Owned and operated by The McCourt Foundation, the marathon serves as a significant fundraising platform for neurological disease research and local charities.
About The McCourt Foundation:
The McCourt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to curing neurological diseases and empowering communities to build a healthier world. Through its signature races and fundraising efforts, the Foundation supports research, education, and partnerships.