SRLA Teams Conquer the L.A. Marathon

SRLA Teams Conquer the L.A. Marathon
Posted on 03/31/2023

     Mountain View School District’s Student Run LA (SRLA) teams from Parkview, Twin Lakes and Monte Vista Schools successfully completed the 38th Annual Los Angeles Marathon on March 19.  Joining 2,500 other students from throughout Los Angeles County, and 22,000 total runners, the middle school students trained hard both physically and mentally for the 26.2 miles, displaying tremendous determination, courage, dedication and fortitude.

     After seven months of hard work, training and preparation, tackling the marathon and crossing the finish line proved to the students that they can do anything they set their mind to.

     Led by their school coaches, David Dorf from Twin Lakes, Marcos Garcia from Parkview and Jorge Jimenez from Monte Vista, as well other assistants and volunteers, the student teams trained since the start of the school year, logging over 500 miles with practices, races and mini-marathons leading up to the March 19 event.   

          The SRLA program has been offered to middle school students in MVSD for several years, providing students the chance to realize a goal through training for and running in the marathon.  The SRLA organization provides students in the program with new sneakers and race day uniforms, as well as entrance into mini-marathons and other races prior to the L.A. Marathon. 

      Starting at Dodger Stadium, the 26.2-mile course crossed through Downtown LA, Echo Park, Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills before ending on the Avenue of the Stars.   Bands, cheerleaders and other entertainers were stationed at mile markers throughout the race providing motivation for the runners.  Staff members from the three schools and District, as well as family members gathered along the course encouraging the students and cheering them on as they closed in on the finish line.

      Twin Lakes eighth grader, Amber Phan was excited to run in her second marathon as part of the school’s SRLA team.   Like all the SRLA team members, she’s learned that if she can finish a 26.2-mile marathon she can do anything.

    “Training for and completing the marathon has made me more productive,” said Phan.  “My experience running has definitely changed my mentality and how I do things, and I think I will continue running in high school.” 

        Through SRLA students form strong bonds with their peers and coaches, providing support and encouragement to each other through the difficult training and challenges. 

       “We are truly an SRLA family,” said Dorf.  “Our student runners, their families our coaches and volunteers, we spend a lot of time together training and participating in races on the weekends. Our principal, Dr. Muetzel even trained with us and ran the marathon.  It’s very rewarding to see the kids excel and achieve their goals.  I’m extremely proud of them and honored to be their coach.”

     Prior to the marathon, the young runners were celebrated at their school sites and wished all the best with special parades and carb loading dinners. 

     “Our District is extremely proud of our SRLA runners for their dedication, perseverance and courage,” said Dr. Raymond Andry, MVSD Superintendent who was at the marathon to greet the students as they finished.  “They achieved something remarkable, that many don’t even attempt to achieve.  I commend our coaches and volunteers for their efforts, and for providing such an extraordinary experience for our students.”

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