SHOKZ has been announced as an official sponsor and the official headphones partner of the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon and LA 5K ahead of the 41st annual event. The partnership follows an activation by SHOKZ at the event’s lifestyle expo in 2025.
The 2026 marathon, which is organised by the McCourt Foundation, is scheduled for March 8, 2026. The sold-out race is expected to draw over 25,000 runners.
SHOKZ is a specialist in sports headphones, using open-ear technologies to provide audio while maintaining situational awareness. Unlike noise-cancelling headphones that block surrounding sounds, the company’s bone conduction technology allows users to remain aware of their environment, such as traffic and other runners.
Karen O’Connell, Head of Sponsorship at the McCourt Foundation, said “After a successful activation experience at our two-day lifestyle expo in 2025, we are thrilled to welcome SHOKZ as an official sponsor partner leading into the 2026 marathon.
“If you are training on streets, you want to be mindful of your surroundings and traffic, so wearing OpenRun Pro 2 headphones is a safer option than a noise-cancelling style.”
Vincent Xiong, Head of North America at SHOKZ, said “SHOKZ embraces the spirit of ASICS Los Angeles Marathon with its diversity, togetherness, and warmth. Our open-ear headphones echoes the race by promoting openness and inclusivity throughout the race.”
The marathon weekend begins with a two-day expo at Dodger Stadium on March 6–7, 2026. The free expo features up to 100 exhibitors and typically attracts more than 65,000 attendees. At the expo, runners will have the opportunity to test SHOKZ products and participate in giveaways.
The 26.2-mile ‘Stadium-to-the-Stars’ course starts at Dodger Stadium and travels through various Los Angeles neighbourhoods before finishing near the Avenue of the Stars in Century City, CA. The event serves as the final leg of the Conquer LA Challenge, following the Santa Monica Classic and the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K.
The McCourt Foundation is a US-based non-profit organisation that supports neurology research and education. Since its founding in 1992, it has donated more than US$6.7 million to research and helped raise more than US$76 million for over 125 non-profit charity partners through its various sporting events.
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