Meet Team 2XU

2XU LONG BEACH MARATHON 2026
Title

Eight runners taking 
on the 2XU Long Beach Marathon

The race is sold out. Team 2XU isn’t. Every start line begins long before race day. It’s built in the early mornings, the miles no one sees, the decision to keep showing up and the belief that there’s always another level to reach. For eight runners from communities across California, that work is leading to Long Beach. They’re chasing different goals — a new personal best, a breakthrough, a return to a favorite course or simply the chance to see what they’re capable of next. This is Team 2XU. Meet the runners preparing to perform at the 2026 2XU Long Beach Marathon.

Bernadine

Los Angeles, CA | LA2NOWHERE, Adrenaline Run Club + BEAUTS Movement Club

Bernadine began running simply to challenge herself and become stronger. What started as a personal fitness goal eventually grew into half marathons, marathons and some of her closest friendships. At Long Beach, she wants to soak up the energy of race day while encouraging other runners — especially women — to set big goals and step outside their comfort zones. Her biggest training tip is to find people who make the process fun. Community has helped her stay consistent, motivated and focused on enjoying the experience rather than putting all the pressure on the clock.

Brandon

Irvine, CA | Orange Runner Club, Anaheim Run Club + The Social Pace

Brandon only started running in May 2025, initially looking for a new form of cardio after years of skateboarding and injuries made it harder to stay consistent. In a short time, running has become a major part of his life — particularly because of the people he's met through it. At Long Beach, Brandon is chasing a new personal best while continuing to build connections within the running community. His approach to training is straightforward: practice your fueling, embrace the early-morning long runs and never underestimate what the right gear can do.

Jen

Santa Ana, CA | Anaheim Run Club

Long Beach isn't just another race for Jen — it's where her running story began. She started running in 2023 following a difficult breakup, looking for a way to reconnect with herself. Running became part of that process, helping her navigate sobriety, challenge herself and ultimately find a community she credits with changing her life. This year, she's returning to Long Beach with Team 2XU and a specific goal in mind: breaking 2:30 in the half marathon, a PR she's been chasing for a year. Her mantra throughout training is a reminder not to take the opportunity to move for granted: “I don't have to do this. I GET to do this.” On race morning, there's also one non-negotiable: glitter in her hair and on her face.

Juanito

Los Angeles, CA | LA Running + HYROX Community

For Juanito, running started about a year ago as a way to challenge himself and become a better version of himself. What he found went far beyond the miles: discipline, confidence, friendships and a community that continues to push him toward things he once thought were out of reach.

He'll arrive in Long Beach chasing a new PR, but his bigger goal is to bring people along for the journey — the early mornings, hard workouts, good days and bad ones included. His training philosophy says it best: stick to the plan, not the mood. And when race morning arrives? Expect “We Ready” to be playing on repeat.

Justine

Los Angeles, CA | Eagle Rock Run Club, Silver Lake Track Club + LA Road Runners

Justine started running in 2020 at age 30 with no running background, a Couch-to-5K app and a goal of completing their first 5K. Five years later, they are a captain with Eagle Rock Run Club, a former captain of Queer Run Club LA and an active member of the Los Angeles running community. For Justine, joining Team 2XU represents being seen for the work they've put into the sport — and an opportunity to show other runners what's possible. At Long Beach, they're training toward a sub-1:40 half marathon while hoping their journey encourages someone else to take on a new distance, chase a PR or simply imagine more for themselves. Their foundation for performance isn't complicated: eat enough, sleep enough and respect the fundamentals that allow your body to keep showing up.

Kevin

Compton, CA | Prime Run Club

Kevin started running in 2019 after meeting a friend at church who was passionate about the sport. What began as a way to build a friendship eventually became something much bigger — especially after becoming a dad. Today, Kevin runs with Prime Run Club in Long Beach and hopes his experience with Team 2XU inspires the people around him, particularly his kids. His message: anyone can run, and being willing to get uncomfortable is often where growth begins. His race-day mindset follows the same philosophy. Take a deep breath, trust the miles you've put in and remember to actually enjoy the run. And one training essential always makes the cut: a great playlist.

Laura

El Monte, CA | Adrenaline Run Club, Azusa Pacers, Pasadena Pacers, Canyon City Runners, The 5AM Crew + Rundalay

Long Beach knows Laura well. The 2026 race will mark her seventh Long Beach Marathon, making joining Team 2XU particularly meaningful.

Laura didn't begin running until age 52, when a friend encouraged her to turn a bucket-list dream of completing a marathon into reality. She trained for a half marathon first and then immediately began preparing for the LA Marathon, completing her first full marathon at 53. She hasn't slowed down since. Earlier this year, Laura earned a Boston Marathon qualifying time for 2027. Now she's headed back to her favorite race hoping for another PR — and to show new runners that there is no age limit on setting a new goal.

Bella

Marin County, CA | F45 Training Corte Madera Run Club + Aggies Running Club

Bella's relationship with running goes all the way back to middle school. She went on to compete in track and cross country at the NCAA Division II level and has since expanded beyond the track, taking on everything from HYROX to half marathons. Today, Bella coaches at F45 Training Corte Madera, leads her studio's run club and races with the Aggies RC team. At Long Beach, she's hoping for a little bit of everything: a new personal best, new connections and the chance to fully experience race weekend with Team 2XU.

Her training philosophy is built around consistency rather than perfection. If you only have 70% to give one day and you give all of that 70%, you've still given everything you had. For Bella, progress comes from listening to your body, continuing to show up and playing the long game.

The Work Adds Up

Performance isn’t defined by where you start. It’s built through every early alarm, every long run, every recovery day and every decision to go again. On October 11, the work becomes race day. Eight runners will pull on Team 2XU and step onto the Long Beach start line ready to chase whatever comes next — a faster time, a bigger goal, a stronger version of themselves.

Because there’s always another second to find. Another mile to push. Another limit to move.

 

Prepare to perform. Then find out what you’re capable of. Human Performance. Multiplied.