2013 media guide - LA Marathon

CHARITY AND COMMUNITY
The ASICS LA Marathon has always been about much more than an invitational race
for elite runners over the city’s streets. Since its inception in 1986, it has offered
opportunities for involvement for athletic expression at all levels, for giving back to
the community and for celebrating the unique nature of the communities all over
the Los Angeles region.
Charities
As the Marathon exploded into a wildly popular civic celebration in its early years,
the opportunity to reach beyond the streets and help those who are less fortunate
was realized through the race’s Official Charities program.
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Beginning with the third race in 1988, charities simply used the race – with the
encouragement of the organizers – to collect per-­‐mile pledges from runners. That
first effort raised $250,000, which expanded to more than $600,000 in cash and
services in 1989 and surpassed $1 million in 1990 and each year since. The
Marathon’s “Million-­‐Dollar Morning” for area charities has been an important
aspect of the race’s connection with the greater Los Angeles community.
Under the race’s present management, the charity program has expanded— and
continues to expand. Owner Frank McCourt has set a goal that eventually all
runners will race on behalf of their favorite charity. During the last several years,
strides have been made in that direction.
In 2010, Marathon charities set an all-­‐time record of $2 million in donations. The
enormous success led to the creation of the Marathon’s Charity Challenge, which
called upon fundraisers to set a new record of $3 million in donations in 2011.
Contributions passed the $1 million mark in mid-­‐February 2011, the earliest date
ever, and charities ultimately reached the $3 million mark for that year’s race. For
the 2012 race, total charity contributions set a new record of $3,023,326.
For the 2013 race, 81 marathon-­‐recognized charities will be raising awareness of
their activities. They have pledged to set an even higher fundraising record of $4
million.
MEDIA GUIDE
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