Los Angeles Marathon Celebrates 40th edition with Eco-Friendly Medals and Ocean Plastic Initiative
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LOS ANGELES – December 12, 2024 – The Los Angeles Marathon, presented by ASICS, is gearing up for its landmark 40th edition on March 16, 2025, with a groundbreaking partnership that underscores its commitment to sustainability. The event has named Badges And Medals as its Official Medal Partner, marking a significant step forward in its efforts to reduce environmental impact while celebrating the achievements of its participants.
The 2025 marathon, organized by The McCourt Foundation (TMF), will see over 26,000 runners traverse the iconic Stadium-to-the-Stars course, starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing in Century City.This year’s event is not only a celebration of endurance and community but also a showcase of innovative sustainability practices.
“We are thrilled to welcome Badges And Medals as an official partner,” said Karen O’Connell, Head of Sponsorship at The McCourt Foundation. “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.”
Lasting Medals: A New Standard for Endurance Events
As part of a three-year collaboration,all medals awarded at TMF events,including the Los Angeles Marathon,will be crafted from 100% recycled metals. Each medal is designed to prevent two plastic bottles from entering the ocean, and the packaging will be eco-friendly, replacing customary single-use plastic bags with recyclable paper. Additionally,for every medal shipped,a tree will be planted in the Amazon rainforest to offset carbon emissions.
“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 remarkable medals while being environmentally and socially responsible.”
A Legacy of Sustainability
The los Angeles Marathon has long been a leader in integrating sustainability into its operations. From reducing waste at race events to promoting eco-friendly practices among participants, the marathon continues to set a standard for endurance sports worldwide. The partnership with Badges And Medals is a natural extension of this commitment, ensuring that every aspect of the event reflects a dedication to environmental and social responsibility.
“We’re proud to be part of a movement that not only celebrates athletic achievement but also champions a healthier planet,” said O’Connell. “This is more than just a race; it’s a statement about what we can achieve when we work together.”
About Badges And Medals
Badges And Medals is revolutionizing the medal industry with its ‘Create, Make, Celebrate’ methodology. With 50 years of experience, the company combines world-class design with ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring that every medal tells a story of sustainability and excellence. For more facts, visit badgesandmedals.com.
For additional details on the Los Angeles Marathon and its sustainability initiatives, visit www.lamarathon.com.
McCourt Foundation and Los Angeles Marathon: Empowering Communities Through Health and Research
The McCourt Foundation (TMF) is making waves in the health and wellness sector by combining community empowerment with cutting-edge research. With a mission to cure neurological diseases and foster healthier communities, TMF has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals and organizations.
Founded in 1992,TMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with offices in Boston,MA,and Los Angeles,CA. Over the years, the foundation has donated more than $6.3 million to neurology research and has raised over $70 million for its nonprofit charity partners through various events. These events include the iconic Los Angeles Marathon, the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, the Santa Monica Classic, the Boston Waterfront 5K, and the Tour de South Shore.
A legacy of Giving Back
TMF’s commitment to making a difference is evident in its dedication to supporting over 105 nonprofit charity partners. By leveraging its events as platforms for fundraising, TMF has not only contributed to the advancement of medical research but also strengthened communities across the United States.
“Our goal is to empower communities to build a healthier world,” said a spokesperson for TMF. “Through our events and partnerships, we aim to raise awareness and funds for critical causes that impact millions of lives.”
The Los Angeles Marathon: A Platform for Change
The Los Angeles Marathon, one of TMF’s flagship events, has a rich history spanning over four decades. Since its inception, the marathon has not only been a celebration of athleticism but also a powerful tool for raising funds and awareness for various charitable initiatives.
“The Los Angeles Marathon is more than just a race; it’s a movement,” said another TMF representative. “It brings people together from all walks of life to support causes that matter.”
Expanding Reach Through Education and Events
Along with its fundraising efforts, TMF hosts educational forums that provide valuable insights into neurological diseases and other health-related topics. These forums serve as a platform for experts, patients, and advocates to share knowledge and collaborate on solutions.
“Education is a cornerstone of our mission,” noted a TMF spokesperson. “By fostering dialog and sharing expertise, we can drive meaningful change in the health sector.”
Connecting with Communities Across the U.S.
With events in both Boston and Los Angeles, TMF has successfully bridged the gap between East and West Coast communities. By organizing events that resonate with local audiences, TMF has built a strong network of supporters and partners who share its vision of a healthier world.
“Our events are designed to bring people together and inspire action,” said a TMF representative. “Whether it’s through running, walking, or simply supporting a cause, everyone has a role to play in creating a healthier future.”
Looking Ahead: A Shining Future for TMF
As TMF continues to grow, its impact on the health and wellness landscape is set to expand even further. With a focus on research, education, and community engagement, the foundation is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of millions.
“We are excited about the future and the opportunities to make an even greater impact,” said a TMF spokesperson. “Together, we can build a healthier world for generations to come.”
For more information about The McCourt Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.LAMarathon.com.
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Interview: celebrating 40 Years of the Los Angeles Marathon and Its Commitment to Sustainability
The Los Angeles Marathon, presented by ASICS, is not just a race; it’s a party of endurance, community, and sustainability. As the event gears up for its landmark 40th edition,we sit down with Hamish Larsen,CEO of Badges And Medals,and Karen O’Connell,Head of Sponsorship at The McCourt Foundation,to discuss the marathon’s eco-friendly initiatives,the partnership with Badges And Medals,and how this event is setting a new standard for endurance sports worldwide.
A Partnership for a Greener Future
Senior Editor: Hamish, can you tell us more about the partnership between Badges And Medals and The McCourt Foundation? What inspired this collaboration?
Hamish Larsen: absolutely. The McCourt Foundation’s commitment to sustainability and community empowerment really resonated with us. We’ve been looking for ways to make a bigger impact in the endurance sports industry, and this partnership allows us to do just that. By crafting medals from 100% recycled metals and preventing plastic bottles from entering the ocean, we’re not only celebrating the achievements of the runners but also making a tangible difference for the planet.
Senior Editor: Karen, how does this partnership align with The McCourt Foundation’s values and mission?
Karen O’Connell: At TMF, we believe in creating events that not only inspire but also make a positive impact on the world.Our partnership with Badges And Medals perfectly aligns with our values of sustainability and social responsibility. It’s about more than just medals; it’s about setting an example for other events to follow. We’re proud to be part of a movement that champions a healthier planet and healthier communities.
Innovative Medals with a Purpose
Senior Editor: Hamish, can you explain the innovative aspects of the medals being awarded at the Los Angeles Marathon?
Hamish Larsen: Certainly. Each medal is designed to prevent two plastic bottles from entering the ocean. The packaging is also eco-friendly, replacing single-use plastic bags with recyclable paper. Additionally, for every medal shipped, a tree is planted in the amazon rainforest to offset carbon emissions. This year alone, our partnership with TMF will stop 152,450 plastic bottles—equivalent to three tons of waste—from polluting the environment. It’s a powerful way to celebrate the runners’ achievements while protecting our planet.
Senior Editor: That’s amazing.Karen,how do these medals reflect the marathon’s broader sustainability efforts?
Karen O’Connell: The medals are a symbol of our commitment to sustainability. From reducing waste at race events to promoting eco-friendly practices among participants, every aspect of the marathon reflects our dedication to environmental and social responsibility. This partnership with Badges And Medals is a natural extension of that commitment, ensuring that the event not only celebrates athletic achievement but also champions a healthier planet.
A Legacy of Sustainability and Community Impact
Senior Editor: The McCourt Foundation has a long history of giving back. Can you share more about how the foundation supports communities through its events?
Karen O’Connell: Absolutely. TMF has donated more than $6.3 million to neurology research and raised over $70 million for our nonprofit charity partners through events like the Los Angeles Marathon. We’re committed to making a difference, not just through fundraising, but also by empowering communities with resources like health insurance and school supplies. Our events are platforms for change,and we’re proud to be part of a movement that supports both health and sustainability.
Senior Editor: Hamish, how does Badges And Medals contribute to this mission?
Hamish Larsen: By partnering with TMF, we’re able to support vulnerable communities in a meaningful way.The plastic collected for the medals provides individuals with fair incomes and access to essential resources like health insurance and school supplies. It’s a win-win situation: we’re creating remarkable medals while being environmentally and socially responsible. This partnership is a perfect example of how businesses and nonprofits can work together to make a lasting impact.
Looking Ahead: A Healthier World for Generations to Come
Senior Editor: What does the future hold for the Los Angeles Marathon and its sustainability initiatives?
Karen O’Connell: We’re excited about the future and the opportunities to make an even greater impact. As we approach the 40th edition of the marathon, we’re committed to continuing our sustainability efforts and setting new standards for endurance sports. It’s not just about the race; it’s about building a healthier world for generations to come.
Senior Editor: Hamish, what’s next for Badges And Medals?
Hamish larsen: We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and make a difference. Our ‘Create,Make,celebrate’ methodology allows us to combine world-class design with ethical manufacturing practices.We’re excited to continue our partnership with TMF and explore new opportunities to create lasting medals that tell a story of excellence and responsibility.
Senior Editor: Thank you both for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the Los Angeles Marathon and its partners are making a lasting difference in the lives of millions, both through athletic achievement and environmental stewardship.
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