L.A. Marathon

I love L.A.! Each year Los Angeles manages to pull it all together and show its very best side. People of all races, ages and ethnic groups work as a team providing support and encouragement to those of us running the marathon.

Five years ago when the heat was oppressive, a young black boy gave me water from his Arrowhead bottle (some of the water stops had run out of water). A white woman gave me orange slices. This year a little Hispanic girl handed me water at a water stop. She was dressed in her best dress and looked so proud to help. The Asian drummers and other musical groups are fantastic.

Each year, the children of all races reach their hands out to touch ours--this really helps out, giving a little extra boost of positive energy. After the race as I wear my finisher’s medal, several people stop to congratulate me.

It’s impossible to adequately describe how all of this makes me feel. It is a warm and wonderful feeling and I want to thank everyone in L.A. for being a part of it. The spirit and support generated on that day make each runner feel like a winner.

SUSAN LeDREW

Bakersfield

* Being a jogger in my late 60s, and determined to stay the course in the L.A. Marathon, I savored the camaraderie of younger runners, and especially welcomed the cheers and shouts of encouragements from fellow Angelenos who greeted us along the way.

Still, a lingering thought persisted: Could it be that these happy, cheerful Angelenos, who energized the runners mile after mile, are the same uptight and grumpy drivers we meet on the freeways day after day?

TOM CARR

Woodland Hills