Our Mission

Every mile changes a life.

Students Run LA (SRLA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that empowers middle and high school students in underserved communities by challenging them to train for and complete the LA Marathon, encouraging goal setting, character development, and healthy living.

For more than 35 years, dedicated volunteer teachers and leaders have created a supportive community-driven environment where students from marginalized backgrounds develop discipline, resilience, and confidence. SRLA translates the life-changing experience of training for the marathon to lifelong success.

Our Story

It started with a challenge.

In 1986, high school continuation teacher Harry Shabazian set out to motivate his students in a way no textbook ever could. His challenge? Lace up, train hard, and complete the Los Angeles Marathon with him. That first group of student runners didn’t just complete the race – they finished high school and went on to college.

Our Story

As Harry’s running group grew, word spread. Teachers Eric Spears and Paul Trapani challenged some of their own students to train for the marathon and saw the same life-changing results.

Our Story

Three years later, L.A. Board of Education president Roberta Weintraub suggested that the informal training be expanded into a citywide program. And with that, Students Run LA was born. You’ll still find Shabazian, Trapani and Spears at every LA marathon, cheering on SRLA students and reminding them that no challenge is too big to overcome.

Our Team & Board

FAQs

What is SRLA?

Students Run LA is a non-profit that provides a free school-based mentoring and physical fitness program for underserved middle and high school students in the Greater Los Angeles area. We train students to run the Los Angeles Marathon.

Where does SRLA operate?

Students Run LA operates across nearly 200 middle and high school campuses across the greater Los Angeles region.

I am a student, how do I join?

We’re excited that you want to be part of SRLA! With more than 200 school sites across the greater Los Angeles area, there are many opportunities to join.

Contact us to find a program near you.

Our Mission

Every mile changes a life.

Students Run LA (SRLA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that empowers middle and high school students in underserved communities by challenging them to train for and complete the LA Marathon, encouraging goal setting, character development, and healthy living.

Our Story

Our Story

As Harry’s running group grew, word spread. Teachers Eric Spears and Paul Trapani challenged some of their own students to train for the marathon and saw the same life-changing results.

Our Story

Our Team & Board

FAQs

Contact Us

Can’t find your answer in the FAQs? Want to talk to our team? Email us!

SRLA News. Straight to Your Inbox

Our Mission

Every mile changes a life. Students Run LA (SRLA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that empowers middle and high school students in underserved communities by challenging them to train for and complete the LA Marathon, encouraging goal setting, character development, and healthy living.

Our Story

Our Story

As Harry’s running group grew, word spread. Teachers Eric Spears and Paul Trapani challenged some of their own students to train for the marathon and saw the same life-changing results.

Our Story

Our Team & Board

FAQs

Contact Us

Can’t find your answer in the FAQs? Want to talk to our team? Email us!

SRLA News. Straight to Your Inbox

Every mile changes a life.

Students Run LA (SRLA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that empowers middle and high school students in underserved communities by challenging them to train for and complete the LA Marathon, encouraging goal setting, character development, and healthy living.