Runners to Honor Nipsey Hussle’s Legacy at Los Angeles Marathon
Los Angeles, CA – This Sunday, the spirit of entrepreneur and rapper Nipsey Hussle will be powerfully present at the LA Marathon, not through music or merchandise, but through the determined strides of the Marathon Run Club. Founded in 2024 to embody the discipline and purpose Hussle championed, the club is sending approximately 100 runners to complete the 26.2-mile course, all although raising funds for the Neighborhood Nip Foundation. The initiative represents a significant expansion of Hussle’s “Marathon” brand, initially launched in 2009 and a tangible manifestation of his vision for community empowerment.
The journey from music and apparel to a dedicated running club and philanthropic endeavor is a testament to the enduring impact of Hussle’s entrepreneurial spirit. His long-time business associate, Jorge Peniche, played a pivotal role in shaping the Marathon brand and bringing this latest iteration to life. Peniche, a multidisciplinary creative who describes himself as a “Professional Day Laborer,” credits his success to intuition, constant learning, and a dedication to storytelling. His path crossed with Hussle’s in the mid-2000s through Myspace, leading to a collaborative relationship that spanned photography, album visuals, and the development of the Marathon brand’s identity. Peniche’s work with Hussle evolved from initial editorial pieces to managing album artwork and contributing to the repackaging of “Bullets Ain’t Got No Name Vol. 3,” solidifying a trust that would extend beyond Hussle’s untimely death in 2019.
From Myspace to Marathon: A Collaborative Beginning
Peniche’s introduction to Hussle came through a friend who shared the rapper’s raw and authentic street storytelling. Captivated by the music’s honesty and Hussle’s intelligence, Peniche reached out, eventually landing an opportunity to work on a video shoot for “Hussle in the House.” The initial meeting at a Shell station on Crenshaw and Slauson, as Peniche recalls, was marked by Hussle’s genuine humility and respect. “Everyone was there for him, but he still made it a point to introduce himself to me,” Peniche said, highlighting a characteristic that deeply resonated with those who knew him. This initial connection blossomed into a professional partnership that saw Peniche’s role expand alongside Hussle’s growing success.
The Marathon brand, as Peniche explains, always had a broader vision than simply clothing or music. It was about fostering a mindset of perseverance and dedication – a literal “marathon” of effort towards achieving goals. Following Hussle’s murder, the brand expanded to include the Marathon burger chain, further demonstrating its commitment to reinvesting in the community. However, the idea of a physical running club remained a long-held ambition, one that Peniche and the team finally initiated in 2024. “He’s the one who set the battery on our team’s back and said we’re going to do it,” Peniche explained, emphasizing Hussle’s initial inspiration.
Building a Community Through Running
The launch of the Marathon Run Club in 2024 drew an unexpectedly large crowd, with an estimated 400 to 500 people participating in the inaugural run. The diverse group, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels, underscored the inclusive spirit of the initiative. Runners like Dasjanae Mosley expressed the significance of the club as a “physical manifestation of breaking down those barriers,” highlighting the unifying power of the shared experience. For others, like Ralphy Vies, who moved to Los Angeles from Latest York a year ago, the club provided a challenging yet supportive environment to embrace a new fitness goal. Vies, a first-time distance runner, shared the struggles and triumphs of his training journey, stating, “Every weekend, there’s been times when I couldn’t even walk after running. And now we’re here. So it’s just about having a goal and just maintain working towards it.”
The runners aren’t just focused on completing the marathon; they are also dedicated to raising money for the Neighborhood Nip Foundation. The foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the Marathon brand, with a current focus on transforming the plaza at Crenshaw and Slauson – the former location of the Marathon clothing store – into a community center. This project aims to revitalize a key area of the neighborhood and provide resources for local residents. As Vies succinctly put it, “We’re chipping away one dollar at a time to make that happen, and one mile at a time.”
@marathonrunclub We ran the @lamarathon in honor of our brother Hussle as a way to carry forward the spirit, discipline, and purpose he lived by. He always spoke about the marathon continuing long after we are gone. ✊🏾🏁
Jan 5, 2026
The LA Marathon, a significant event in the city’s sporting calendar, provides a powerful platform to amplify Hussle’s message of perseverance and community investment. The race, which attracts thousands of participants and spectators, will see the Marathon Run Club runners easily identifiable in their club t-shirts. The event is not merely a symbolic gesture, but a continuation of Hussle’s vision, transforming a figurative “marathon” of life into a literal one, completed with dedication and purpose. The Neighborhood Nip Foundation’s fundraising efforts are ongoing, and donations can be made through their official website. Neighborhood Nip Foundation
The runners’ participation in the LA Marathon this Sunday represents more than just an athletic achievement; it’s a powerful tribute to a legacy of entrepreneurship, community empowerment, and unwavering dedication. The spirit of Nipsey Hussle will undoubtedly be felt throughout the course, inspiring both participants and spectators alike. The Neighborhood Nip Foundation continues to accept donations to support their community revitalization efforts, with updates on the Crenshaw and Slauson plaza project expected in the coming months.
Next Steps: The Neighborhood Nip Foundation is expected to announce further details regarding the community center project at Crenshaw and Slauson in the spring of 2026. Stay tuned to their official website for updates and opportunities to contribute.
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