15,000 Expected at Sunday’s Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K Scenic Run through Pasadena

The annual Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, organized by the McCourt Foundation, will be attracting hundreds of running enthusiasts and spectators on Sunday, Jan. 21, in Pasadena, offering a picturesque experience through iconic landmarks and city streets, and a challenging half marathon course, a 5K run, and a Kids’ Run.

All registered participants will receive an ASICS technical t-shirt, with finishers earning an exclusive medal upon crossing the finish line. Most of the events are sold-out, although registration for the Kids’ Run is still available.

The Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K aligns with the McCourt Foundation’s mission to combat neurological diseases. Discounts are extended to military, first responders, and law enforcement personnel through GovX.

Laurie Gestal, Senior Director of Marketing for the McCourt Foundation, provided insights into the event’s logistical challenges, emphasizing the need for seamless coordination with Pasadena officials, and public safety and venue representatives.

“We’re really grateful in working with all of our city partners, and because it is an existing course, we’ve made no substantial changes year over year,” Gestal said. “It’s been pretty seamless as we’ve gone into this event year. We’re really excited for this weekend.”

With a consistent course layout, the race has become a staple in Pasadena, drawing both local and out-of-town participants.

Dan Cruz, PR representative from the foundation, said the scenic nature of the half marathon course, passing landmarks like the Rose Bowl Stadium, Devil’s Gate Dam and Reservoir, and the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is another attractive feature of the event.

“I go to races all the time and Pasadena is just such a beautiful city to run through and to experience, whether you’re local or even from out of town. It’s really, really a cool event,” he said. “The experiential part of the event is all about the finish line. It is an unforgettable experience, but when you run into the stadium and you run onto the grass and you see the bleachers, I mean you feel like you’re the professional athlete in Pasadena that day.”

In addressing safety and health concerns, the organizers assured thorough planning, medical stations along the route, and partnerships with public safety officials to ensure a secure environment. The event has a rain-or-shine policy and has successfully operated post-pandemic with established safety protocols.

The event, which has seen nearly 14,000 participants in various categories, contributes directly to the McCourt Foundation’s mission. Gestal said the foundation funds neurological research, hosts educational forums, and leverages events like the Rose Bowl Half Marathon to support charities and raise awareness.

“We directly donate directly to fund neurological research, we host educational forums that bring together patients and caregivers that are affected by four of the biggest neurological diseases, which are ALS, MS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s,” Gestal said. “And so we bring together patients and caregivers and top doctors and researchers in these areas for an educational forum.”

Despite the current event being sold out, the McCourt Foundation said it maintains partnerships with organizations like Students Run LA, involving over 3,400 high schoolers in the event.

Established in 1992, the McCourt Foundation is focused on curing neurological diseases and empowering communities to build a healthier world. The foundation is focused on three pillars: Research, Education, and Partnerships.

Since its inception, the foundation has donated over $6.3m to support and fund neurological research.

For more information about the Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K, visit www.mccourtfoundation.org/event/rose-bowl-half-5k/overview.