Have you ever thought about running a marathon? Did you do it or do you still think about it? Well I know of 10 amazing kids from Rosemont Middle School that actually did. Here is their story as told by one of the parents, Rik D. Middleton: “In September 40 Rosemont students began a journey to end at the finish line of the Los Angeles Marathon. They self selected to participate in the Students Run Los Angeles (SRLA) program. Rosemont students are the only student athletes outside of the LAUSD allowed to compete in this sponsored event. The requirements for participation in this event are to give up three afternoons a week to run between three and six miles. To continue is to participate in the Friday running days (average three miles) and to relinquish nearly every Saturday for six months to run as much as 21 miles in a single event. All of this before they can think about running in the “Big Show” the Los Angeles Marathon.

Today only 10 of the original 40 remain. These are truly the top athletes of Rosemont Middle School. For nearly six months they, along with their teacher/coaches Ms. Satoorian and Ms. Odette, have logged an average of 30 miles per week. They have logged nearly a 1,000 training miles alone. Their dedication and drive, for nothing more than the personal gratification of competing and/or surviving this grueling ordeal, is what has pushed them to this point.

On March 20, 2011 these 10 student athletes ran in the 27th Annual Los Angeles Marathon. According to race officials these were the worst race conditions in the 27 year history of the event and we are proud to announce that all of our students not only finished but finished in under 5:30:00 hours!” I think that is truly amazing. Come join us at our April 6 mixer at the Montrose Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce office to salute these athletes and honor them for their accomplishment! Upcoming Events: Glendale City votes April 5. Don’t forget that we are heading to the polls on April 5. Make sure you make an informed decision.

Log onto Glendalevotes.org, created by the City of Glendale, to get all the information you need. You can find the voting location, meet all the candidates and learn about the special ballot message. First Artwalk of 2011 is Saturday, May 7. Come stroll the beautiful streets of Montrose and enjoy the art presented by artists from around Southern California. Par 3 Masters on Thursday, May 12. This is our scholarship fundraiser and Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course Par 3 Masters Golf Tournament! We would love to see everyone out there supporting our local high school students and our campaign to help save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course. For more information regarding the event please contact me at the Chamber office.

Melinda Clarke Executive Director Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce 3516 N Verdugo Road Glendale, CA 91208 (818) 249-7171 www.montrosechamber.org

  Business, melinda clarke