The goal of this Go Fund Me is to raise enough money to purchase a quality pair of running shoes for every student on our SRLA team so that they can be supported while training for one of the biggest accomplishments of their lives - the Los Angeles Marathon!

For the past nine years, every second or third weekend of March, I've managed to drive bleary-eyed and half asleep to Venice at 3:30 in the morning. Upon arrival, I'm greeted by 15 students donning neon green t-shirts, full of nervous excitement, and two fellow volunteer coaches struggling through their pre-race breakfast. We're all waiting for the school bus that will drive us to Dodger Stadium, the starting line of the Los Angeles Marathon. At that ungodly hour, I usually have the fleeting thought of "Why do I keep signing up for this?!" but that question is always answered hours later when I get to witness thousands of student runners crossing the finish line of the Los Angeles Marathon, their parents tearing up at their achievement, which is the culmination of seven months of hard work and dedication.

I'm a teacher at Animo Venice Charter High School, a title one school located in Venice Beach, California. The large majority of our students, however, do not live in the Venice area, but instead commute from all over Los Angeles - Inglewood, South LA, even parts of East LA- with some riding multiple busses for upwards of two hours each way. Our students represent an underserved community, with 85% qualifying for free or reduced lunch . Our students are tenacious and committed to doing what it takes to show up, literally and figurately, every day.

Despite the obstacles, every year, hardworking students commit to training for the LA Marathon with our school's team, sponsored by the incredible non-profit organization Students Run LA (SRLA). SRLA's mission is to "challenge underserved secondary students to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring and improved health" by training for the LA Marathon. From September to March, two other teachers and I commit over ten hours weekly to organize weekday and weekend practices and run every step of the way with our students. We are only volunteers! We do it solely because we love it and are fully committed to supporting our students through the life-changing journey of training for and completing a marathon.

One of the incredible things about running is that its much more inclusive than other sports; all you need is a quality, well-fitting pair of running shoes... which brings me to my point. Our runners are currently running in shoes that are completely worn out and not fit for running. Some are wearing shoes that they've had since junior high, while others are running in hand-me-down basketball shoes that are causing pain. SRLA does provide runners with a pair of running shoes a few months into the season, but our students need quality shoes for the months leading up to that. But even more importantly, as every runner knows, running shoes are NOT one size fits all! In the past, many of our students have become injured from running in shoes that are not appropriate for their feet.

The goal of this fundraiser is to raise $160 for every runner on our SRLA team this year (10). With those funds, we will bring our runners to the local running store to get fitted for running shoes that suit their needs. Any funds over our goal will go towards other supplies we need during the season (snacks, reusable water bottles, work out equipment, etc.).

I can't overstate how responsible and deserving these students are. They show up to every practice on time with a positive attitude. When they are injured, they still show up and ask for an alternative work out. They always cheer for each other. They are respectful and kind to their classmates and teachers. They are deeply committed to their schoolwork and running.

Despite the dreaded 3AM wake up call, we're already so excited for the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon because, with your help, our students are going to show themselves that they can meet lofty goals and that they're capable of incredible things!

Thank you!