2,800 Shoes to SRLA Students
This past Saturday, Students Run LA partnered with Nike to distribute 3,300 shoes to SRLA Leaders. Over the next two weeks, SRLA Leaders across LA will hand out these shoes to all SRLA participants. More than 2,800 students and 500 volunteer leaders will receive brand new shoes to continue their journey to the Los Angeles Marathon this March.
The shoes are more than just training sneakers - they represent a symbol of achievement.
SRLA runners earned these shoes through their dedication, hard work, and commitment…
"To me [receiving the shoes] means that I have worked hard and showed a lot of dedication towards SRLA. I think that the shoes don’t only symbolize what we do but who we are since our determination had brought us to this moment." - Ashley, Grade, 9 Foshay Learning Center
"To me, these shoes mean opportunity, commitment, and freedom. The shoes mean opportunity because they increase accessibility to a sport like marathon running and offer us the resources to pursue this endeavor. The shoes mean commitment because it's a tangible object that came about from our commitment and determination of staying in SRLA. The shoes mean freedom because they allow us to run anywhere, anytime.” - Yuan-Kai (Kevin), Grade 12, Wilson High School
"The shoes mean perseverance. The more I push myself the more capable I am 😊" - Aylin, Grade 9, LAPD Southwest Cadets
"I'm always grateful for getting anything, especially shoes since we all wear them and use them all the time. But receiving free shoes from SRLA will be a game changer since I really do need new shoes." - Sebastian, Grade 9, Hollywood High School
"Getting my SRLA shoes feels like an accomplishment to me. The shoes mean commitment. They mean my commitment to running has been followed through. It makes me feel fulfilled with my hard work and dedication. These shoes mean self love and appreciation from all of the participants and people who put SRLA together.” - Evelyn, Grade 12, PUC Community High
"Getting shoes to me means that we have worked hard to earn them. It means that we have been consistent with our training and we did not give up no matter how hard it got. Getting shoes means a lot to me because it's like a medal of our hard work and discipline to be consistent.” - Emily, Grade 10, Animo Locke High
"Once I got my shoes, I felt really proud of myself. Getting these shoes means that I was accomplishing something and how my hard work and determination are really paying off." - Aileen, Grade 8, Animo Ellen Ochoa Middle
"Getting these shoes every year is like waiting for a Christmas present. Free shoes are truly a gift to me, since I don't really spend money on them. Now, I can replace my previous shoes that are holey and dirty! So, I am very grateful." - Stephanie, Grade 11, Marshall High School
“Receiving shoes from SRLA means so much to me. It's something that I look forward to and they're shoes I can wear gladly knowing that I have earned them. Thank you for these shoes SRLA.” - Andres, Grade 9, CNCA Dalzell
“Getting my shoes means I have made it. It means I can actually feel that I’ve worked hard and spent time in running. I remember hearing about this months ago and being happy, now it’s actually happening.” - Keiry, Grade 8, Berendo Middle School
“When I received my new shoes, I was grateful to receive them after the old shoes that I received last year has become worn and torn. They made me realize the state they are in now is proof of my dedication and how hard I had to run to get to the point where I am now. So when I received my shoes on Tuesday, it meant to me that I must work harder than last year and increase my goals, so when next year comes around again and when I receive my new pairs of shoes, I would look at the shoes I ran with to decide whether if they were torn enough; if I had ran enough, and to decide if I have met my goals for the year of 2023.” - Arnoldo, Grade 10, Animo South LA
“Getting my shoes means that I don't have to burden my mom with asking for new shoes for Christmas. Between SRLA and Cross Country, my shoes from last year have thoroughly worn soles and contain holes at the tip; having new shoes will be refreshing. Plus, I get to match with my friends!” - Kana, Grade 12, Girls Leadership Academy
“To me, getting the shoes means commitment, achievement, and growth. We've made it halfway through the season which is incredible, but of course, we still have many more miles to go. Getting the shoes is a step in our path forward.” - Sonya, Grade 8, Girls Leadership Academy
"Getting my shoes makes me proud. I’m proud to be part of a team.” - Melissa, Grade 11, AAE
“Getting my shoes mean being grateful for the sponsors who have donated to students like me, who at first were scared with the idea of finishing the marathon. Now, after being in SRLA for 6 years, I have grown tremendously, all thanks to donors who gave me one of my first running shoes.” - Aimee, Grade 12, Garfield High School
“To me, getting the shoes represent a role and duty to fulfill. It’s like I’m spider-man, receiving my uniform to be apart of a greater cause, and to be among a team with similarly motivated people, as I know we all are trying to reach the same goal.” - Harut, Grade 12, North Hollywood High School
“These shoes are a reminder, not just any reminder like you’re in SRLA, but a reminder that I have people supporting me throughout these races which keep getting tougher and tougher. These shoes, that are very comfortable and supportive, mean that I’m not alone throughout the whole thing from beginning to end.” - Perla, Grade 10, LAPD Southwest Cadets
“These shoes are especially meaningful to me because my previous running shoes were deteriorating and I needed to replace them but never had the opportunity. Now that I'm running in my new shoes, I'm excited for Sunday's Half Marathon.” - Victor, Grade 10, Reseda High School
You CAN KEEP STUDENTS RUNNING…
Donate today to support students on their marathon journey.