Los Angeles Marathon

I was one of the many stouthearted and ardent runners in the Los Angeles Marathon. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Marathon Committee as well as the spectators for their tremendous support and encouragement all through the course.

Although I was one of the “slowpokes,” I really don’t think I could have gone on without all of the kind words and cheers giving me the confidence and stamina to finish the race. All of them made the participants feel special.

You can’t begin to imagine what the crowds’ cheers and all the music did for our morale. People, other than the volunteers, were offering us fruit and water from their homes. One kind soul was handing out bagels and cream cheese.

I think I can say this for the rest of the racers as well as for myself that all of these things were deeply appreciated. It makes me proud to be a Los Angeleno.

MARILYN BELKNAP

Los Angeles