The 2023 Long Beach Marathon presented by Philips Sonicare returns for its 39th edition on the weekend of October 14-15. The event weekend annually attracts more than 18,000 runners to 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 waterfront views.
Long Beach Marathon Director of Partnerships, Phyllis Blanchard, said “Our industry is in a real good position right now. I see more runners, more walkers, more joggers.
“Personal wellbeing has never been more important; people want to do something healthy with friends and family and share those memories with someone. That’s what we’re doing. We’re creating memories, to have the biggest positive impact on those we touch.”
With a flat, fast course, 80% of it with views of the Pacific Ocean, the southern California marathon hit its 3,500 capacity over a month ago. Saturday’s Aquarium of the Pacific 5K, which runs through the local aquarium, also reached its 3,000 ceiling, followed by the half-marathon with nearly 10,000 entrants.
There are still limited walk-up spots available for the Bike Tour, where over 1,500 people will participate, some of them finishing, then racking up their bikes and pulling off a duathlon double in the half-marathon.
On Friday, the Health and Fitness Expo will be held outdoors for the first time at Marina Green Park on E. Shoreline Drive. The location is accustomed to speed, being the site of the Grand Prix of Long Beach where IndyCars hit 200 mph.
Those taking on the marathon will be treated to a course that takes in the Long Beach Shoreline Marina, the Queensway Bridge, the Queen Mary, another bridge crossover, and a view of the Lion Lighthouse. Runners will also tour the Cal State University Long Beach campus where students will be out supporting the field.
Reflecting that one of the nation’s busiest port cities is a global destination, runners from 32 countries and 47 states will participate at Long Beach.
Philips Sonicare is the presenting sponsor and will feature a video board, projecting runners’ smiles.
“Philips Sonicare, they’re all about empowering smiles,” Phyllis Blanchard added. “The alignment of oral care health and wellness goes hand in hand. You take care of your teeth, you take care of your body, you take care of your mind.”
REI is the race’s retail sponsor and Michelob Ultra the official beer partner.
Blanchard works closely with the event’s brands, helping create campaigns, even writing copy. “I want them to be successful,” she said. “I want them to be elated, with the same post-race feelings our runners experience. After all, rising tides raise all boats.”
She continued, “I’m passionate because our industry is health wellness. I want to contribute something on this Earth that’s greater than myself. This is more than a job, more than a career.”
