Over 3,000 student runners rose brightly and rose early on Sunday to run nearly 19 miles at Hansendam in Pacoima, and qualified for the Los Angeles Marathon with one goal in mind.
Runners, primarily middle and high school students across Southern California, were part of this year’s Student RAN RA Friendship Run.
Today’s goal was to complete the race so that I could participate in the La Marathon on Sunday, March 16th.
“They are running 30km, which is 18.6 miles. This is their qualifying event, so they are doing this to qualify for a marathon bib that they say they are competing at this level. ”
There was a sense of nerves among some of the students participating in the race, but there was also a level of excitement.
“I’m nervous, I’m excited,” said student Juan Contreras.
Training to qualify for a marathon requires commitment, and students run multiple times a week.
“In between every training run they do, they do multiple runs per week. Some of them are really long runs over the weekend. This is so much dedication and time,” Powell said. I added.
For many, testing their mental and physical fitness during training after September is one of their biggest challenges in life.
“It’s pretty difficult, but we’ve gotten through it,” said Naomi, an eighth grade student at Whittier.
Today’s bystanders were filled with family and friends cheering on the young athletes as they handed each miles with focus and determination.
“You’ve already gone through a lot, and once you get to that point, it seems I’m already here, I was able to finish this so that it’s not too bad, And you like that you have a motive, yes, said Hennessy Limas, a sophomore at Santa Fe High School.
Student Run LA is a program that helps underserved middle and high school students in Southern California set goals and build character development. Marathon training consists of volunteers who guide and mentor students to help them complete the marathon.
Powell said 99% of students who started the marathon will finish it.
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