Long Beach Marathon Celebrates 40 Years of Running Excellence with Airport Partnership
Southern California’s Oldest Fall Marathon Returns October 6, 2024, with a Full Weekend of Festivities
Long Beach Airport (LGB) and the Long Beach Marathon proudly announce the continuation of their longstanding partnership for the upcoming 40th anniversary of Southern California’s most prestigious fall marathon. Scheduled for the weekend of October 4-6, 2024, the milestone edition of the marathon celebrates four decades of running excellence on the scenic oceanfront streets of downtown Long Beach.
“Long Beach Airport, celebrating a century of service, is proud to sponsor the 40th annual Long Beach Marathon,” said Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “With nonstop service to 24 destinations, plus countless connections, LGB conveniently invites marathoners to hit the ground running on their journey to Long Beach.”
The Long Beach marathon, which has evolved from a local road race into a celebrated weekend-long running festival, invites runners from across the globe to participate in its various events. The partnership with Long Beach Airport underscores a shared commitment to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement in the vibrant city of Long Beach.
Marathon weekend kicks off on Friday, October 4, with the Health and Wellness Expo held along the picturesque waterfront downtown. The festivities continue on Saturday with the Aquarium of the Pacific 5k, which welcomes athletes of all levels and offers a perfect warm-up for the marathon events on Sunday.
Sunday’s landmark celebration will feature the historic 26.2-mile Long Beach Marathon, the 13.1-mile half-marathon, and the ever-popular Bike Tour. The Bike Tour allows cycling enthusiasts to experience the marathon’s excitement on closed roads without the run, complete with a commemorative event shirt, finisher’s medal, complimentary beer, and more.
“The Long Beach Marathon has become a signature event that encapsulates the spirit of our community and showcases the beauty of our city,” said Phyllis Blanchard, VP of Partnerships for the marathon. “As we mark this 40-year milestone, we invite runners, families, and sports enthusiasts to join us for a weekend that celebrates fitness, fun, and community spirit.”
To further commemorate the marathon’s 40th anniversary, Long Beach Airport will participate in various marathon-related activities and engage with participants and spectators throughout the event. This celebration will not only honor the marathon’s rich history but also look forward to its future as a premier event in the running industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, this milestone year promises an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of Long Beach’s stunning coastal views. Participants are encouraged to register early for the marathon or any of the weekend’s events by visiting RunLongBeach.com.
About Long Beach Airport
Founded in 1923, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the oldest airport in California. Among its many awards, LGB was named a Top 10 airport in the 2020 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Small Airport. LGB offers non-stop service to 16 U.S. cities while supporting a healthy general aviation community with more than 300,000 annual operations. The airport is also a source of substantial economic activity and employment, with the LGB Aviation Complex generating $8.6 billion in economic impact and supporting 46,000 jobs. LGB is a self-supporting enterprise of the City of Long Beach and does not receive local tax dollars. The Airport prides itself in preserving its esteemed historic legacy and maintaining a safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible operation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LGBAirport.
About the Long Beach Marathon
The 2024 Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon returns for its 40th edition on the weekend of October 4-6. Event weekend annually attracts 20,000 runners with perfect Southern California weather and a fast, flat course along the waterfront. Participants can choose from four different events including the marathon, half marathon, Bike Tour, or the Aquarium of the Pacific 5k, 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.