PHS Teen Directs 5k Race, Helps At-Risk Runners

At first, Alyssa Rivas was a little worried.

She fretted, first, about the gargantuan task of achieving the most prestigious award in Girl Scouts, the Gold Award, but then the Pasadena High School student wondered what would happen if no one came out to support her cause on race day? Rivas directed the 5k Be Inspired, Be Inspirational, earlier this month at the Rose Bowl.

But when she saw the turn out, all her fears were assuaged.

"It was a challenging project, and it called for me to really focus and be organized. At first I was struggling, especially with getting people involved, but when so many people came out to support on race day, I felt I really made a difference.

"The fact that it was so difficult made me all the more proud that I was able to stage the event. It was such a pleasure to work with Up and Running Again and Mr. Tierney. I am so grateful for their support and am proud to be helping such a great organization,'' Rivas said.

The event, held Dec. 8, was the main component to Rivas's attainment of the Gold Award. Proceeds from the race will sponsor at-risk runners, through Up and Running Again, in their quest to complete the Pasadena Marathon and other local races.

"It was a great day... We thank Alyssa Rivas for organizing the event. She raised money to support two teams of Runners", Steve Tierney, Up and Running Again's Executive Director, said in a prepared statement.

Along with Up and Running Again's general partnership and support, various donations were made by local organizations Pasadena Marathon, Balloon Emporium, Aquarium of the Pacific, Pro Image and Mark Remy of Runner's World.

About the Girl Scouts Gold Award

Open only to girls in high school, this prestigious award challenges Scouts to change the world—or at least their corner of it—and be eligible for college scholarships, too. Aspiring Gold Award recipients are tasked to identify an issue, investigate it thoroughly, get help and build their team, create a plan, present their plan and gather feedback, take action, and educate and inspire. By the time they put the final touches on their seven-step project, they'll have solved a community problem—not only in the short-term, but for years into the future. Visit www.girlscouts.org to learn more.

About Up and Running Again

Up & Running Again was formed in 2010 to assist homeless individuals and at-risk youth improve their lives by training for, and completing, a half-marathon. In its first year, 19 individuals completed the journey from homelessness to two-time half-marathon finishers after going through the Up & Running Again training program. Further information can be found at www.upandrunningagain.com.

About the Pasadena Marathon

The mission of the Pasadena Marathon is to support Pasadena Forward, a nonprofit organization established to promote and support the growth of charitable, civic and education-advancing organizations in the City of Pasadena. Pasadena Forward brings you the Pasadena Marathon on June 30, 2013 featuring a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Run. The Pasadena Marathon course features areas of interest throughout this historic Southern California city, including Pasadena’s beautiful residential neighborhoods, lively OldPasadena, lush gardens, and many cultural landmarks. See www.pasadenamarathon.org to register and learn more.