October 6, 2026

Southern California’s premier fall marathon returns this weekend with its largest field ever

LONG BEACH, CA – October 6, 2026 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – From the first footsteps along Shoreline Drive to the final finishers beside the Pacific, Long Beach will belong to runners this weekend as more than 28,000 participants will descend on the waterfront for the 42nd annual 2XU Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon, with global performance brand 2XU (Two Times You) returning as title partner.

“Long Beach has become so much more than a marathon – it’s a weekend that brings the city and running community together,” said Phyllis Blanchard, vice president of partnerships for race organizer Motiv Sports. “Welcoming more than 28,000 participants speaks to the incredible momentum behind running and the enduring appeal of Long Beach. Having 2XU back as title partner makes this milestone even more special.”

Now in its second consecutive year as title sponsor, 2XU will extend its presence beyond race day with community experiences built around the brand’s Prepare, Perform and Recover philosophy.

Friday evening, 2XU Prepare to Perform will bring runners to Alamitos Beach for a sunset stretch led by fitness trainer Sarah Michelle, followed by a panel focused on physical and mental race preparation. A beachside 2XU lounge with live music will give runners a place to connect ahead of Sunday’s races.

Saturday morning, 2XU and Sports Basement will host Coffee + Kilometers, a social shakeout run from Marina Green. The first 250 participants will receive 2XU swag bags, with complimentary MUD Coffee available after the run.

Runners can also visit the 2XU experience Friday and Saturday at the Health & Wellness Expo inside the Long Beach Convention Center, featuring performance gear, race essentials and an open-to-the-public product customization station.

On Sunday, the 2XU Recovery Lounge at the Finish Line Festival will offer recovery compression, cold plunges and massage equipment for finishers.

“2XU exists for one reason: to help athletes go further and faster than they thought possible,” said Mat Hayward, CMO/COO of 2XU. “Twenty-eight thousand runners will put that to the test in Long Beach on Sunday, and we’ll be with them from the start line to the recovery lounge. North America is one of the most important running markets in the world, and our commitment here is long-term. Being back as title partner isn’t about putting our name on a banner. It’s about backing the runners, clubs and specialty stores building this sport, and earning our place in it, every mile.”

2XU will also showcase its limited-edition Long Beach Marathon capsule, featuring the Long Beach Marathon Long Run Tee, Vectr Light Cushion Crew Sock and Run Cap.

First run more than four decades ago, the Long Beach Marathon has grown into one of Southern California’s signature endurance events. Its fast, flat and USATF-certified course provides a 26.2-mile tour of Long Beach, taking runners past the Queen Mary, along the Pacific Ocean and through Belmont Shore, Marine Stadium and Cal State Long Beach before finishing downtown on Shoreline Drive.

Thousands of spectators, volunteers, neighborhood groups, businesses and civic partners also support the event, making marathon weekend an annual showcase for Long Beach.

The Health & Wellness Expo opens Friday, Oct. 9, at the Long Beach Convention Center and continues Saturday. Saturday also features the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K.

Sunday’s marathon begins at 5:30 a.m., followed by the half marathon at 6:30 a.m. Race weekend concludes at Marina Green with the Finish Line Festival.

For complete race weekend information, visit RunLongBeach.com.

# # #