L.A. Marathon

I went to a party last Sunday; it was 26.2 miles long.

A marathon most often celebrates individual achievement, but with this, my first marathon, there was much more to celebrate. I learned of national leukemia organizations and local running clubs. I learned of churches that are the cornerstones of communities throughout the Southland. I learned of individuals and families spending their Sunday cheering for thousands they’ve never met. I learned of the excitement of small children reaching for “high fives” from all who might pass near.

Yes, I finished the 26.2-mile party, but I brought home more than a medal. I brought home a better understanding of L.A., the people who make up each community and how those communities coalesce to make us what we are.

Sunday’s L.A. party will not be my last.

TIMOTHY A. DENTON, Studio City

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The L.A. marathon is a big event, no doubt about it. But please, don’t use the same circuit every year. Some neighborhoods are transformed into closed islands; for example, in some areas of Hollywood and Hancock Park the people cannot cross the streets.

It’s a problem if you have an emergency, or if you need to go out of the closed perimeter to have lunch or go to church or to receive visits from friends or family members.

It’s not fair. The solution may be to diagram a different circuit every year, having at least five routes. Neighbors will be able to support the “island” problem once every five years, not once every 365 days.

ALDO CAMMAROTA, Los Angeles