Leading local running club hosts community run kicking off training season, offers downloadable plans for people of all paces and experience levels
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The 2026 Santa Monica Classic, produced by The McCourt Foundation (TMF), officially kicked off training season for its end-of-summer race taking place on Sept. 13. The event’s training program, the LA Road Runners (LARR,) trains and supports those who wish to participate in the Santa Monica Classic, the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K and the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon. Together, TMF and LARR hosted a free Summer Meet Up run on July 11 starting and ending at Third Street Promenade to mark the start of training. LARR’s downloadable, eight-week training plans for the Santa Monica Classic are now available online, with five different levels based on experience level and training goals.
“For over 30 years, the LA Road Runners program has been helping athletes of all levels train for iconic local races like the Santa Monica Classic, and we’re so proud of all that they help our participants achieve,” said Lucie Murray, senior manager of community & youth programs for TMF. “33% of Santa Monica Classic participants also take part in the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, with many also running in the Rose Bowl Half Marathon. It’s a perfect stepping stone for those who set goals for longer distances, and LARR makes it possible for them to reach those finish lines.”
At the Summer Meet Up, nearly one hundred local runners came together for either a 3- or 5-mile group workout, with groups for all paces and fitness levels including walk, run and run/walk. Both routes offered a preview of the Santa Monica Classic courses. Participants were able to try out the latest shoes from ASICS as they completed their fun run miles. They were also treated to refreshments and prizes pre- and post-run.
Registration for the Santa Monica Classic is open, and expected to sell out weeks ahead of race day. Featuring both a 10K and 5K, the event offers a premier race-day experience made possible by partners including ASICS, Michelob Ultra, UCLA Health, KIA, and Optimum Nutrition. The event is one of four annual running events produced by The McCourt Foundation, a Los Angeles and Boston-based nonprofit. The organization’s mission is to build a healthier world by funding neurological research and programs to advance health, foster community wellness and make a lasting impact. Participants also have the opportunity to join Team TMF, The McCourt Foundation’s official fundraising team, to raise money in support of that mission. Since its inception, TMF has donated more than $7.2 million to neurology research and generated more than $81 million for its charity partners.
The Santa Monica Classic will also feature a Kids Run, making it an event fit for the whole family. The Santa Monica Classic Kids Run will take kids ages three to eight on a ½ km route. This Kids Run is a part of the Kids Run LA Challenge, which also includes the Rose Bowl Kids Run and LA Kids Run. Kids who complete all three fun runs will be awarded a Kids Run LA Challenge medal to celebrate their accomplishments.
For more information about the Santa Monica Classic and Team TMF, visit mccourtfoundation.org, follow the Santa Monica Classic on Facebook and Instagram, and follow The McCourt Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
ABOUT THE SANTA MONICA CLASSIC
The Santa Monica Classic will be celebrating its 20th running on Sept. 13, 2026. The event offers a 10K, 5K and Kids Run, providing a perfect end-of-summer race for runners, joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities. The race takes runners on a scenic, coastal course through Downtown Santa Monica and along the iconic Pacific coastline. The Santa Monica Classic is the first event in the three-race Conquer LA Challenge. The local challenge begins with the Santa Monica Classic in September, followed by the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K in January and wraps up with the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon in March. Those who complete the challenge will receive a medal for each completed race, as well as the Conquer LA Challenge medal. For more information, visit www.SantaMonicaClassic.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT THE MCCOURT FOUNDATION
The McCourt Foundation (TMF) empowers communities to build a healthier world through research, education and partnerships. TMF’s mission is to cure neurological diseases while empowering communities to build a healthier world. TMF makes a difference by donating to neurology research, hosting educational forums and using our events such as the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, Santa Monica Classic and Boston Waterfront 5K, as platforms to raise funds for over 180 nonprofit charity partners. Since its inception, TMF has donated more than $7.2 million to neurology research and generated more than $81 million for our nonprofit charity partners. Established in 1992, TMF is a 501 (c)(3) with offices in Boston, MA and Los Angeles, CA. For more information, visit mccourtfoundation.org.