THE PASADENA HALF MARATHON & 5K UNDERGOES A NAME CHANGE, BECOMING THE ROSE BOWL HALF MARATHON & 5K IN 2021

July 9, 2020, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA–The annual, sell-out Pasadena Half Marathon & 5K has become the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K. The McCourt Foundation, owners and operator of the event scheduled for January 17th, 2021, announced the name change in line with an overarching rebranding campaign of its Los Angeles based running events––including the iconic Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS.

“We are thrilled to announce the change,” said Brian McCourt, President and Chairman of The McCourt Foundation. “The Rose Bowl Stadium is arguably what makes this race so special for the thousands of runners who participate every year. The opportunity to finish on the 50-yard line of the field is what makes this race such an amazing experience.”

The 13.1-mile course will remain largely the same as in previous years––starting just outside the Rose Bowl Stadium, crossing over the Colorado Street Bridge and past the Norton Simon Museum before heading through Pasadena’s historic Old Town, along its scenic side streets and past area landmarks including the California Institute of Technology. Final course details will be announced later in the year and will include plans for an enhanced participant and spectator experience around the Rose Bowl.

The Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K is the only running event to finish on the field of the historic Bowl Stadium. Runners enter the stadium gates through the home team tunnel and run onto the field to finish at the 50-yard line.

The family-friendly race weekend will include a 5K distance, open to all levels of runners and walkers, and Rose Bowl Rush ¼-mile kids run. All races will share the same finish line at the 50-yard line on the stadium field and all participants will receive a specially designed finisher medal.

Post-race festivities at the stadium will be free, open to the public, and will include an expanded Finish Festival with live entertainment, a beer garden, and local vendors.

“In making this announcement, we are mindful of COVID-19 circumstances,” said Stacy Embretson, The McCourt Foundation’s Senior Director of Operations. “We are hopeful that the event can be staged as per previous years. If not, we are planning for a number of contingencies to hold the race with lesser athlete densities and greatly enhanced safety protocols. Participant safety is always our top priority.”

For more information on the 2021 Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K, visit www.mccourtfoundation.org.