I started running because I dated someone who was a runner, and the activity stuck with me longer than he did. I like being outdoors, feeling the cool air on my cheeks and listening to my breath and pitter-patter footsteps as I run down streets and sidewalks. I marvel at surprises in familiar neighborhoods and new sights on unfamiliar streets. Hey, a new coffee shop just opened. Ooh, my neighbor got another dog. There’s an unspoken recognition amongst runners as we pass each other with a nod and smile – I see you, good job! But setting my alarm for 4:30am and driving to a race before the sun rises, in the rain no less? Ugh, I’d rather namastay at home.
Except this was the Altadena Forever Run. The first race through Altadena to honor the remarkable resilience and recovery efforts of the community after the devastating Eaton Fire a year ago. The race was a chance to support the community, honor the 19 lives lost, and pay tribute to the renewal efforts. Altadena Strong. Given the importance of the race, so close to the anniversary of the fire, how could I stay home?
And that’s how I found myself in a group of runners at the starting line on E. Mariposa St. on a cool, misty Sunday in January. With fellow Lotus Rising LA teammates, Jacqui and Christian, we geared up for a rainy 5K. There’s Councilwoman Dorothy (Dot) Wong! Supervisor Kathryn Barger is here! So are the Laker Girls! Who are the Star Wars cosplayers, and can I join them?
Considering that my last race was in 2020, I go through my checklist to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. Shoes (kinda important) - check. Bib and safety pins – check. Frog socks (reppin Lotus!) – check. Altadena Strong beanie from my girl Nile of SwiftBrew – check. Here we go.
E. Mariposa St to E. Altadena Dr
The starting line was at 849 E. Mariposa St in front of the Woodbury Building. You can still see the charred remains of the building where the Altadena Hardware store used to be. From there, we ran under the American flag hoisted by 2 LA County Fire Dept trucks, and headed up toward E. Altadena Dr.
No one warned me that there would be hills, but I shouldn’t have been surprised. The San Gabriel Mountains rose up high to the north of us like the Misty Mountains. On this cool, cloudy morning, they were partially covered by fog, and my face was damp from the mist and light rain. The first mile was a gradual incline, which felt more challenging than it should have been.
Running the course. Photo credit: Belinda C.
I was in awe of the beautiful cedars along E. Altadena Dr. and glad so many trees survived. There was so much green! All of the rain in December made way for the vibrant greenery that lined the streets and homes. Amidst nature’s signs of renewal were signs of recovery. New construction next to empty lots. Signs of hope and progress. But there was still so much work to be done.
I see the Mile 1 marker, and cheerfully shout, “Mile 1!”
A pause. Then Jacqui’s voice behind me, “Are you #!@ kidding me??”
Morslay Rd to E. Mendocino St
As we head south on Morslay Rd and back west on E. Mendocino St, I notice 2 things: 1) we’re going downhill (finally) and 2) the community vibe is strong. Neighbors were out cheering us on with fist bumps and cowbells. Kids waved at us. Dogs were out too. This is a beautiful community, and I felt that supportive energy as I ran through the neighborhood.
Along the route, race organizers had survivor storyboards from Altadena community members. The QR codes lead to short videos of Altadena residents sharing their stories - 9 in total.
Survivor storyboards along the course. Photo credit: Belinda C.
Charred trees. Empty, vacant lots. It feels surreal to see the destruction up close and personal. Coming up on the Mile 2 marker, I run past the Altadena Golf Course and Altadena Town & Country Club, which both suffered significant damage in the fire. Yet, half a mile away, other stores and buildings survived, like Webster’s Pharmacy and Grocery Outlet on Lake Ave. The haphazard path of the fire is difficult to understand, and sometimes there are no answers as to why some people were lucky and others were not.
Back to E. Mariposa St and the Finish Line
As we head back to E. Mariposa St, there’s a slight incline again. But ah, the end is near! The rain is starting to come down harder. As I get to the intersection of Catherine Road and E. Mariposa St, I hear a familiar voice yelling, “5K go right! 10K runners go left!” It’s our Lotus friend, Ellie, holding the 5K sign. Whew. As I told my teammates before the race, “Make sure you stay on the 5K route cuz I don’t want to accidentally run a 10K.” Ellie lost her own home in the Palisades fire, and she drove up from Irvine to volunteer for the race.
She wasn’t alone. So many survivors and supporters came out for the race. They were expecting a few hundred runners. Over 3,000 registered, and $100,000 was raised. Proceeds from the run supported Eaton Fire survivors via the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund and the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena. Altadena IS strong, and this race was a reminder of that community strength and spirit.
The run was organized by the LA County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Athletic Association. I read that the run was so successful that the organizers plan to make it an annual event. I whole-heartedly approve. It was one of the best races that I’ve done. I’m thankful to all the sponsors and everyone who made it happen. As for next year, can someone connect me with the Star Wars Group? I’d really like to run as a Jawa next time.
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