The Los Angeles Marathon is little more than a week away, with 25,000 participants expected to gather at Dodger Stadium for the 26.2-mile run. Among them will be 3,000 middle and high school students in the Students Run LA (SRLA) program with their final event of the school year.
Founded in 1989, SRLA is a nonprofit that provides free mentoring and marathon training for students in seventh grade and up. Around 200 schools in the greater LA area participate in the program, including San Fernando High, Maclay Middle, George Porter Middle, Kennedy High and Magnolia Science Academy 1-Reseda.
To keep the program free for students, SRLA is raising donations with the Marathon Match Challenge, which will go towards the participants’ race entries, uniforms, resources, transportation and mentorship. Every dollar donated, up to $50,000, will be matched by the Kautz Family Foundation.
Starting an SRLA Alumni Program
“For over 35 years, Students Run LA has empowered thousands of students to cross both literal and figurative finish lines – transforming their confidence, resilience and futures,” said SRLA President and CEO Gaby Arvizu. “This year, 3,000 students will take on the LA Marathon, a testament to the strength of our program … and the dedication of our volunteer leaders, partners and community supporters.”
SRLA President and CEO Gaby Arvizu
“SRLA is more than a race; it’s a lifelong journey,”
This year marks a return to overall participation not seen since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to date, the program can count more than 83,000 alumni. And starting this spring, SRLA will be launching an official alumni program.
“Being an alumni brings me so much pride. I think back to my SRLA coach and teammates who started me on my journey,” said Rachel Rodriguez, an SRLA leader at Pacoima Middle School. “Sharing an experience like running a marathon together creates a bond that can never be forgotten … It’s also why I am a part of Team SRLA, fundraising to keep the next generation of students running.”
Running With Purpose
The program has other runs prior to the LA Marathon, including last month’s SRLA Friendship Run 30K at Hansen Dam. During that event, students collected and donated more than 900 boxes of cereal that the YMCA of Metro LA distributed to people displaced by January’s wildfires.
“As we launch our official alumni program later this year, we are reminded that SRLA is more than a race; it’s a lifelong journey,” said Arvizu. “Our students not only push themselves to new limits but also give back. … That spirit of perseverance and community defines SRLA, and we are proud to stand alongside our students every step of the way.”
To donate to SRLA, go to https://www.srla.org/marathon-match-2025.