By Erin Edwards
On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) once again turned Dodger Stadium into more than a ballpark — it became a community hub of movement, music, and meaning. Nearly 40,000 runners, walkers, yoga enthusiasts, and Dodger fans laced up for the 12th Annual LADF Sunset Run presented by Bank of America, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Security Benefit, UCLA Health, and Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
The Energy of the Start Line
The day began with the buzz of anticipation. Kids lined up for the Fun Run, parents cheered from the outfield bleachers, and the start line pulsed with energy as participants awaited the countdown. Smiles, stretches, and nervous excitement filled the air — proof that this event is more than a race, it’s a shared experience.
For many families, the Sunset Run has become a cherished tradition. “We love the Dodgers Run. It’s a way to celebrate our love for the Dodgers and be surrounded by people who feel the same — it’s a family outing we look forward to every year,” said longtime participant David G., who has run with his family since 2018. “We also love walking around the field afterward and have a tradition of taking a picture of our boys on the warning track.”
Running Into the Sunset
As the sun began to dip behind the Los Angeles skyline, runners hit the 5K and 10K courses and participated in Yoga on the Field in the iconic Dodger Stadium. Few backdrops rival the golden hues of a Dodger Stadium sunset — the city glowing to the west, the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, and the iconic stadium lights guiding the way. The course wound around Chavez Ravine, each turn revealing another breathtaking view and another reason to keep going.
Music That Moves You
Along the route, the sounds of determination were joined by the heartbeat of live music. The Mighty Marching Pilots of Banning High School, the Inglewood High School Marching Band, and the Woodcraft Rangers Folklorico dancers filled the course with rhythm and color. DJs kept spirits high, ensuring that every step was matched by a beat, a cheer, or a song.
A Finish Worth Celebrating
Runners capped their journey in unforgettable fashion, following the Health + Wellness expo, they participated in a cool-down lap around the Dodger Stadium warning track, where countless baseball legends have made their mark. Medal in hand, many paused to soak in the moment, and admire their limited-edition Yoshinobu Yamamoto Sunset Run bobblehead.
Bigger Than a Run
While the energy and spectacle made the night memorable, the heart of the Sunset Run was its purpose. Every registration supported Angelenos still recovering from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, with funds focused on fighting food insecurity. Over 3,500 youth from Students Run LA, Dodgers Dreamteam, and nonprofit partners ran at reduced or no cost, reinforcing LADF’s commitment to opportunity, access, and impact. For many, it was more than a run — it was a reunion.
“It was the idea of community and just running and making friends along the way,” shared one SRLA runner. “It’s just been really cool because I’ve got a lot of lifelong friends from SRLA who I got to see again here today. I’m really grateful to the Dodgers for allowing us to get together like this. I had so much fun — it was chills down my spine when I saw LA in the background and thought, my goodness, dude, it’s just beautiful.”
LADF CEO Nichol Whiteman summed it up best: “The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Sunset Run has become a true source of pride for our community, bringing people together to run for one another and the issues that matter most.”
This year’s run wasn’t just about miles logged or medals earned — it was about community. From the first stride to the final sunset view, it was proof that when Los Angeles runs together, we all move forward. This year’s run raised vital funds to support Angelenos impacted by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires.
To learn more about LADF’s mission and programs, visit Dodgers.com/LADF.
Running Together, Under the Sunset: A Look Back at the 12th Annual LADF Sunset Run was originally published in Dodger Insider on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.