Thousands of runners will take to the streets Sunday for the 2026 LA Marathon, and dozens of them will be students from the Los Angeles Unified School District, thanks to a nonprofit organization that trains youth for the grueling 26.2-mile race.
At John Marshall High School in Los Feliz, some students are preparing for their first marathon. For students Andrew and Brissa, the experience is a mix of excitement and nerves.
“This is my first marathon, too,” said Andrew, a senior. Asked how he felt, he replied, “Very nervous and happy about it.”
Brissa, a freshman, reflected on last year’s race. “It tested me in every single way. It was… I had a lot of fun,” she said.
Both students are part of Students Run LA, a program that trains middle and high school students to run the LA Marathon.
A Los Angeles model discovered his love for the city while training for the LA Marathon. Mekahlo Medina reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Friday March 6, 2026.
Gaby Arvizu, president and CEO of Students Run LA, told NBCLA that the program began 35 years ago after the LA84 Olympics. It started at one LAUSD school and now serves more than 200 students, primarily from underserved communities, and boasts a 95% graduation rate.
“It’s not just about running 26.2 miles. It’s about the benefits that they get outside of the program,” Arvizu said. “It’s character development, goal setting, and just becoming all around, just better students, better citizens.”
The program is open to students in seventh grade and up. Participants train three days a week for seven to eight months each year.
Sophomore Elida described her decision to join.
“I was like, okay, I’ll do it, you know? And then I stayed for the friends and for the unique experience. And I’m glad I did. I have no regrets.”
Senior Jasleen, preparing for her fourth marathon, highlighted the community the program fosters.
“I’ve made so many friends that I still talk to and it’s just been like — I just feel so happy after every run. So I’m just like, it’s so worth it,” she said.
Jasleen also noted that running offers a personal boost on difficult days.
“Honestly, when I have a bad day, I do look forward to running, even though that sounds crazy, but it’s just like, I know I’m going to feel so much better after this.”
Marshall High teacher Brian Pfeffer is among more than 600 volunteers who support the program. Arvizu emphasized the importance of these leaders, many of whom once ran in Students Run LA themselves.
“It shows you that running can prepare you for the terrain of life,” Arvizu said.
Elida added that the program helps students find their own motivation.
“Everyone has their own reason. I’d say running helps you find that,” she said.