Runners lace up: Students prepare for Los Angeles Marathon
By Gretchen Losi/Staff Writer/Daily Press
APPLE VALLEY - At least 12 students from the Academy for Academic Excellence will be among the expected 25,000 athletes from around the world competing in Sunday's 21st Los Angeles Marathon.
Students from the Academy for Academic Excellence run around Spring Valley Lake while training for the L.A. Marathon.
"It's going to be a challenge, but I think I can do it," 13-yearold Marta Polovin said.
This is the third year students from the school have participated in the event. This year’s group has been training twice a week since September. In addition to training they have participated in several smaller marathons, including 5, 10 and 15 K runs.
This is 14-year-old Kaitlin Unferdorfer’s first time participating in the event. She said the physical endurance achieved from all the training is as fulfilling as the thrill of crossing the finish line.
"It feels really awesome. You're so happy that you're done," Unferdorfer said.
Students say the discipline attained from training overflows into their studies.
"Since I learned how to set goals, my grades have gone up," Brett Kobold said.
Another perk could come in the form of a scholarship. All student participants have the opportunity to apply for $300 mini grants to be used toward college prep activities. Graduating seniors can also apply for $500 college scholarships.
The L.A. Marathon is scheduled to begin at 7:50 a.m. Sunday.
Used with permission by Daily Press, Freedom Communication, 2006