The Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K returned to Pasadena on Sunday after being rescheduled from January due to recent wildfires that ravaged Altadena and portions of Pasadena.
Participants from across the region were gathering this morning at the iconic stadium to raise funds for Eaton Fire relief and other causes through The McCourt Foundation, which channels proceeds toward curing neurological diseases and empowering communities.
The Half Marathon was scheduled to step off at 7:00 a.m. with hundreds of runners traversing a scenic route that showcases some of Pasadena’s most notable landmarks and architectural features.
The 5K is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., offering participants of varying athletic abilities an opportunity to contribute to the worthy causes.
Runners navigated a challenging course that began at the Rose Bowl and wound through the streets of Pasadena past the Colorado Street Bridge and Old Pasadena.
The first three miles featured a gradual incline culminating in the notorious “California Climb” at mile two, followed by a flatter section that provided temporary relief to participants.
The course design incorporated a steady decline around the ninth mile as competitors returned toward the stadium, concluding with a loop through Brookside Golf Course.
Participants experienced the distinctive thrill of finishing on the Rose Bowl’s 50-yard line, a feature that distinguishes this race from other regional running events.
The event transforms the historic stadium from a sports venue into a center for environmental activism and community healing following devastating wildfires.
This transformation aligns with the Rose Bowl’s expanding civic role, which now includes community programming and youth engagement initiatives beyond traditional sporting events.
Sunday’s gathering, described in promotional materials as a “signature running event in Pasadena,” connects participants to broader environmental conversations about climate change and disaster preparedness.
