Students Train for Marathon and Learn Lessons for Life; Members of 'Students Run L.A.' to Participate in March 4 Los Angeles Marathon

    HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 13 Sixty middle and high school
students, members of Students Run L.A. (SRLA), listened to a presentation
about running and life, and received a brief training session from three-time
Olympic gold medallist Jackie Joyner-Kersee at Le Conte Middle School.  SRLA
helps at-risk middle and high school students realize their potential and plot
a new course for their future by providing them with a life changing
experience -- training for and completing the 26.2 mile L.A. Marathon.
    "The Marathon is a true test of will and determination.  Finishing it will
be an empowering experience for all of you," stated Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
"The skills used to prepare yourself for this race are the same skills you'll
use to train for an even longer race -- life."
    Honda, a presenting sponsor of the 16th L.A. Marathon, donated more than
2,000 pairs of Saucony running shoes to SRLA students.  Aside from the shoe
donation, Honda associates have supported SRLA for five years by raising funds
for the organization.
    SRLA members participate in weekly training sessions for nine months prior
to the L.A. Marathon, and complete the regimen with stronger confidence and
higher self-esteem.  Through vigorous marathon training and participation in
the actual event, the SRLA program helps teach students the value of
commitment, dedication and discipline -- lessons they may utilize throughout
their lives.  To date, more than 10,000 students have participated in SRLA's
training program since its inception in 1989, and 69% continue their education
beyond high school.
    "Completing the Marathon is an accomplishment that transcends running 26.2
miles," stated Eric Conn, assistant vice president of American Honda.  "SRLA
helps students achieve their personal goals for the L.A. Marathon and for
their futures as well."
    "Our sponsors understand that we're trying to motivate and challenge
at-risk students to tackle an extremely difficult goal, completing the L.A.
Marathon.  This challenge helps students create a 'can-do' attitude that helps
these young men and women succeed not only in the Marathon but also in life,"
added Marsha Charney, SRLA's executive director.  "The involvement of
companies like Honda sends students the message that corporations see their
potential and encourage their hard work and commitment."
    Students Run L.A. is a non-profit organization that trains at-risk
students to run in and finish the Los Angeles Marathon.  SRLA is also a
school-based intervention program aimed at adolescents for whom life is
difficult, either because of family problems, negative peer influences,
failure in school, or poverty.
    For more information about SRLA, contact Marsha Charney at (818) 345-9377.