Sixteen Teenagers Complete Virtual Marathon Through Griffith Park

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Sixteen teenagers from the Hollywood Police Activities League completed a virtual marathon in Griffith Park Sunday, marking the end of months of training through difficult circumstances amid the pandemic. Supported by parents, volunteers, officers and staff, the teens ran laps through the storied park, before finally running through the final flags to receive their much-deserved medals.

Although the L.A. Marathon was postponed until the fall, the organization and Students Run Los Angeles allowed runners to record their times electronically, to allow for a socially distanced competition. Alejandro, a high school junior, was the first to cross the finish line, recording a time of 4 hours and 31 minutes.

“This year’s marathon was harder than usual due to the complications covid caused. However,
the officers, parents, and Cynthia helped us prepare for a marathon like no other,” he said. “Through the pain and suffering, we were all able to finish the marathon. A marathon with no usual fans, just the support from the great community PAL is.”

Along with the teens, 8 adults, including 4 parents who ran in solidarity, managed to complete the marathon. The milestone capped off 8 months of training including six different runs: a 5k, 10k, 15k, two half-marathons and an 18-mile run.

“This past year has been tough for a lot of us, but we proved that we can achieve our goals
under any circumstances. Our youth persevered through all the obstacles that came our way
and never gave up, and that's what running a marathon is about,” shared Cynthia Ayala, SRLA
Team Leader.