11th Annual LADF Sunset Run presented by UCLA Health and LADWP
by Erin Edwards
Dodger Stadium was buzzing with energy as nearly 30,000 participants and spectators gathered for the 11th Annual Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) Sunset Run, presented by UCLA Health and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), on Sept. 28.
The event, now in its 11th year, delivered an unforgettable day of community, fitness and Dodger pride — all while raising vital funds to support LADF in making a lasting impact for Los Angeles.
The excitement began early as buses packed with 1,300 young women from Students Run LA (SRLA) arrived at 7 a.m. LADF partnered with SRLA to help at-risk middle and high school students train for the Los Angeles Marathon with the 5K event as part of a larger mission to introduce youth to the benefits of physical activity, goal-setting, character development and more.
“Today, we are gathering in the morning to celebrate you — our inspiring participants who are part of something truly transformative,” Nichol Whiteman, LADF CEO, said to the young women. “Later this evening, the rest of the runners will take to the course, but right now, this moment belongs to you.”
The race also provided meaningful moments for participants as they trekked through the track.
“I love being around the stadium. The environment is very friendly, with everyone cheering for you no matter who you are,” Jacqueline Soto, winner of the 5K race, said. “It’s very fun, too, because you can see all the scenery and nature around you.”
Following SRLA, LADF kicked off the lively Health + Wellness Expo in Centerfield Plaza, where guests explored offerings from vendors like Beam Suntory, Beverly Hills Orthodontics, Coaches Oats, Dodgers Training Academy, Generic Events, Health-Ade, Homeboy Industries, Hot8Yoga, LA Kings, LA Rams, PlayLA, Prime Hydration, Science of Sport, Yogurtland, Coca-Cola, Melissa’s Produce, and Event Sponsors Golden Road Brewery and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
The energy soared with the Kids Fun Run around the Dodger Stadium warning track, leading up to the much-anticipated 5K and 10K races. Runners dashed through the iconic Dodger Stadium, soaking in stunning sunset views of Downtown L.A.
“Seeing them succeed, seeing them finish not only at every single race but beyond that because everything we do here extends beyond the finish line,” Rachel Rodriguez, a running coach, said. “It goes into the classroom, their college career, and adulthood. They take the lessons they learn here and apply them to life beyond the race.”
Along the way, live performances from the Mighty Marching Pilots of Banning High School, the Inglewood High School Marching Band, and the colorful Woodcraft Rangers Folklorico dancers from State Street Elementary energized the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that carried through the entire event.
“The Sunset Run has been at the heart of Dodger fandom for the last 11 years,” Whiteman said. “Every step, every registration and every cheer pushes us closer to solving the most pressing challenges in our community.”
In between the 5K and 10K races, ticketed guests enjoyed the 2nd Annual Yoga on the Field experience. Yoga was lead by UCLA Recreation and was meant for yogis of all levels.
All proceeds from the event supported LADF’s programs that level the playing field for underserved youth, focusing on education, health care, homelessness and social justice. The incredible turnout and support from presenting sponsors UCLA Health and LADWP, along with weekend sponsors like San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Golden Road Brewing, ensured that LADF can continue making a lasting impact for Los Angeles.
Visit Dodgers.com/Run to learn more about the event and LADF.
11th Annual Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Sunset Run presented by UCLA Health and Los Angeles… was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.