The city of Long Beach came alive this past weekend as thousands of runners took to the streets for the 2025 Long Beach Marathon, presented by 2XU. The annual race weekend, which included the full marathon, half marathon, 5K, and bike tour, drew participants from across the globe—representing 32 countries in total.
The scenic course, famous for its ocean views and fast, flat terrain, began in downtown Long Beach before winding past the Queen Mary, through Shoreline Village, along the beachfront, and looping through the neighborhoods surrounding Cal State Long Beach. Runners crossed the finish line on Ocean Boulevard to cheering crowds and live music, with perfect Southern California weather setting the stage for ideal race conditions.
This year marked a milestone for the event, with the half marathon reaching record-breaking participation numbers—over 14,000 runners filled the streets for the 13.1-mile race, making it the largest field in the marathon’s four-decade history. Among them was a familiar face: veteran runner Kenny Williams, who impressively completed his 41st consecutive Long Beach Marathon, having participated in every edition since the event’s inception.
The top finishers pushed through with fierce determination. Chris Bray claimed second place among the men with a time of 3:12:14, followed by Donald Alexander and William Mauz. Sandra Schossow led the women’s field, crossing the line in 4:03:46. While the full official results are still being finalized, excitement over this year’s turnout and performances has already made the 2025 edition one to remember.
Beyond the competition, the weekend celebrated community, endurance, and passion for the sport. The event’s partnership with 2XU brought an added level of energy, with athletes donning the brand’s signature compression gear designed to enhance performance and recovery. From seasoned marathoners to first-time runners, the camaraderie was evident at every mile marker.
The Long Beach Marathon remains one of Southern California’s premier running events—serving not only as a Boston Marathon qualifier but also as part of the Beach Cities Challenge, alongside the Surf City and OC Marathons. For many, completing all three is a badge of honor symbolizing commitment and perseverance.
As the sun rose over the Pacific and the final runners crossed the finish line, the 2025 Long Beach Marathon once again proved why it’s a beloved fall tradition. With its electric atmosphere, scenic course, and growing international draw, the race continues to embody the best of Southern California running culture—powered by endurance, community, and a little ocean breeze.
