SF/LA Challenge Medal

We are very happy to announce that we’re partnering up with the San Francisco Marathon to continue the SF/LA Challenge! 

The SF/LA Challenge medal is an extra medal bringing together two of the best races in California: the San Francisco Marathon and the Los Angeles Marathon!

How does it work? Any runner who completed any in-person distance of the 2023 LA Marathon can earn the special medal by completing a race at The San Francisco Marathon (July 22-23, 2023). 

 If you didn’t run LA this year, just start your challenge at The San Francisco Marathon in July and you can qualify at the LA Marathon in 2024.  

*If you already qualified and received your challenge medal at the 2023 LA Marathon, you will start the challenge again, and be eligible for another medal at the LA Marathon in 2024. 

*All in-person distances qualify excluding the Family 1K or Virtual.

2023 San Francisco Marathon

Date: July 22 - 23, 2023

Location: San Francisco, CA

Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Ultramarathon

*Offer valid for new registrations only. Available for all in-person distances except for the Family 1K.

2024 Los Angeles Marathon

Date: March 17, 2024

Location: Los Angeles, California

Distance: Marathon

SF/LA Challenge Medal FAQ

What is the SF/LA Challenge Medal?

The SF/LA Challenge medal is an extra medal bringing together two of the best races in California: the San Francisco Marathon and the Los Angeles Marathon!

Any participant who completed the 2023 LA Marathon or Charity Half Marathon can earn the special medal by completing a race at The San Francisco Marathon (July 22-23, 2023).

If you didn’t run LA this year, just start your challenge at The San Francisco Marathon in July and you can qualify at the LA Marathon in 2024.

*If you already qualified and received your challenge medal at the 2023 LA Marathon, you will start the challenge again, and be eligible for another medal at the LA Marathon in 2024.

What events are included in the SF/LA Challenge Medal?

San Francisco Marathon: Ultramarathon, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K

Los Angeles Marathon

When are the races that are included?

2023 Los Angeles Marathon: March 19, 2023
2023 San Francisco Marathon: July 22 - 23, 2023
2024 Los Angeles Marathon: March 17, 2024

Please note in 2022 - 2023 the Rose Bowl Half Marathon was included but it will not be included going forward.

How do I earn the SF/LA Challenge Medal?

Any participant who completed any in-person distance of the 2023 LA Marathon race can earn the special medal by completing a race at The San Francisco Marathon (July 22-23, 2023).

If you didn’t run LA this year, just start your challenge at The San Francisco Marathon in July and you can qualify at the LA Marathon in 2024.

*If you already qualified and received your challenge medal at the 2023 LA Marathon, you will start the challenge again, and be eligible for another medal at the LA Marathon in 2024.

I am already registered for one/both event, how do I make sure I am earning this medal?

No further action is needed so long as you are registered for both events with the same email address! If you used different email addresses please contact one race to update your registration.

What if I do the 2023 Los Angeles Marathon and the 2023 SF Marathon, can I earn this medal?

Yes! We are excited to continue this partnership.

I am already registered for both events with the same email address, do I qualify?

Yes! Congrats! You'll receive more details on where and when to pick it up at your second qualifying event.

I am already registered for these events but I used different email addresses, can I fix this?

If you’d like to change the email address for the Los Angeles Marathon or Rose Bowl Half please email us at: Solutions@mccourtfoundation.org with "SF/LA challenge medal email address" as your subject.

If you’d like to change the email address for the SF Marathon please email customersupport@thesfmarathon.com with "SF/LA challenge medal email address" as your subject line.

I have another question not asked here, who do I email?

You can find us on social @LAMarathon or @SFMarathon or email: marketing@mccourtfoundation.org or customersupport@thesfmarathon.com.