Students Run LA (SRLA)

In 1986, a continuation high school teacher in East Los Angeles, Harry Shabazian experienced firsthand the transformative power of running a marathon. As a result, he challenged his students — labeled misfits and underachievers — to train with him for the next LA Marathon. In 1988, two other continuation high school teachers, Eric Spears and Paul Trapani, joined Shabazian in running the marathon with their students. In 1989, Roberta Weintraub, a Los Angeles Board of Education member, observed these teachers' altruistic work and its positive impact on the students. Weintraub and her deputy, Marsha Charney, established Students Run LA as an effective and innovative dropout prevention after-school program for Los Angeles Unified School District students.

In 1993, SRLA became an independent nonprofit organization, supporting more than 75,000 students from 190 L.A.-area public schools and community programs over the decades. Each year, the organization provides its students and mentors with training shirts, running shoes, a marathon uniform, and entry fees as well as marathon-day support and transportation. SRLA is committed to helping underserved students challenge themselves and experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring, and improved health.