The weather on Sunday morning was perfect as hundreds descended upon Woodley Park in the San Fernando Valley for the SRLA Endurance Run. 

SRLA (Students Run L.A.) is a program that creates opportunities for students at 190 Greater L.A. area schools to train – and eventually run in – the Los Angeles Marathon. 

600 volunteer teachers help more than 3,200 students of all backgrounds and abilities to train, SRLA says on its website. 

Sunday’s Endurance Run – which raised money for students hoping to compete in the marathon – consisted of a 9.3-mile 15K run as well as a 5K fun run. A virtual run for those who couldn’t attend in person was also available. 

KTLA 5’s Erin Myers spoke to a student, a senior at Nathaniel Narbonne High School in Harbor City named Gabriella, who has already participated in two marathons and enjoys her experience with SRLA for multiple reasons. 

“It’s really a unique experience, especially as a high school student, since you don’t really think high schoolers would be out running marathons,” she said. “But I think it’s really interesting…it’s something new and it really motivates you to go step-by-step into the next day, trying to be better than you were.” 

Not only that, but Gabriella says SRLA helps with her focus in school and her drive to succeed at the next level. 

“It really helps inside the classrooms with my focus in school, but also outside [the classroom] since it really helps with goal setting and confidence over time. At the end of the day, it’s all something that I like to do.” 

For those who are interested in partaking in the next SRLA event, another “Friendship Run” will be held on Feb. 16 at the Hansen Dam. 

The Friendship Run takes place exactly one month before the L.A. Marathon. 

Looking for something sooner? SRLA is also hosting a Holiday Half Marathon on Dec. 15 at the Pomona Fairplex. 

For more information on SRLA – including ways to donate – click here.