Introduction to the LA Marathon
The 40th edition of the LA Marathon was dedicated to the first responders who worked tirelessly to put out the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January.
“It’s the healing of the city,” said LA Marathon television broadcaster Toni Reavis, highlighting the significance of the event in bringing the community together after a difficult period.
The Marathon as a Symbol of Unity
The marathon has always been a symbol of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. “The marathon has always shown up on the calendar at just the right time to help bind the city,” said Reavis, “when it’s had floods, public uprising after the Rodney King incident in 1992, the fires this year. This is a chance for LA to come together and dispose of all the differences that people have and be drawn together by our common humanity. The marathon does that like nothing else.”
Honoring First Responders
U.S. Forest Service Capt. Jerry Garcia, who helped battle the Eaton Fire, co-paced the group of runners who hoped to complete the marathon in two hours, 55 minutes. “I guarantee that 90% of the runners in the marathon probably know somebody who lost their home or was personally impacted,” Garcia said in a statement. “When they asked me to pace, I knew it could be about helping runners and being part of an event that will be about the Los Angeles community. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Runners Supporting a Cause
Another firefighter in the field was L.A. firefighter Greg Balandran, running on behalf of the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firefighters Fund, the official charity of the L.A. Firemen’s Relief Association. Shortly after the wildfires erupted, the fund began providing long-term support for the more than two dozen LAFD firefighters and their families who lost homes or were displaced.
Supporting Wildfire Victims
The L.A. Marathon, New York Road Runners, the nonprofit organization that produces the New York City Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, and the Boston Athletic Association, organizers of the Boston Marathon, came together to support Together LA, an initiative spearheaded by The McCourt Foundation, which owns and operates the L.A. race, to aid those affected by the Los Angeles County wildfires. The four organizations co-branded limited-edition Together LA merchandise, with all net proceeds benefiting Community Organized Relief Effort and the California Fire Foundation. These funds will provide emergency relief, assist displaced families and support long-term recovery efforts.
Giving Back to the Community
Crews were on hand to pick up after the runners, who left behind scattered mounds of sweaters, blankets, water bottles and banana peels. Organizers said discarded clothing would be gathered up and donated to wildfire victims.
Conclusion
The LA Marathon was a powerful symbol of unity and resilience in the face of adversity, bringing the community together to support those affected by the devastating wildfires. The event honored the first responders who worked tirelessly to put out the fires and provided an opportunity for runners to give back to the community.
FAQs
Q: What was the LA Marathon dedicated to?
A: The 40th edition of the LA Marathon was dedicated to the first responders who worked to put out the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Q: Who co-paced the group of runners?
A: U.S. Forest Service Capt. Jerry Garcia co-paced the group of runners.
Q: What charity did L.A. firefighter Greg Balandran run on behalf of?
A: L.A. firefighter Greg Balandran ran on behalf of the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firefighters Fund.
Q: What will the proceeds from the Together LA merchandise go towards?
A: The proceeds will benefit Community Organized Relief Effort and the California Fire Foundation, providing emergency relief, assisting displaced families, and supporting long-term recovery efforts.
