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The Los Angeles Marathon provides people and organizations with opportunities to raise funds and awareness for charity. Julian Omidi looks at the novel approaches being implemented in the LA Marathon for charity. 

The 2013 LA Marathon will be held Sunday, March 17th and not only will individuals be racing the 26.2 miles for personal achievement, many will be racing for philanthropic purposes as well. 

In February, Jennifer Jimenez noticed a message on the Facebook page of Team Spina Bifida asking for help to find more participants to race and help raise funds. This message inspired Jennifer and her husband Jesse of Stockton, California to participate in the race with their children Enrique and Jiya, both born with spina bifida. Despite this being their very first marathon, and signing up with less than two months to train, the family set out to raise $3,000. With almost a week left until the race the family has already achieved their goal and raised $3,165 for spina bifida. 

Team ARC will also be participating again this year in the LA Marathon in order to raise funds for their programs. Team ARC partners with individuals to run or walk in events to raise money for people with developmental disabilities. Those with disabilities also participate in the events as active members in order to promote awareness of the issues. In 2012 Team ARC had four athletes with developmental disabilities complete the LA Marathon, and this include the first two women with Down syndrome to complete the marathon. You can still help Team ARC raise money in the event before the race takes place and learn more about their programs at their website. 

According to the Asics LA Marathon website, less than 250 slots are open for the event. Luckily, whether you participate in the event or not, you can still help noble charities raise funds and build awareness. 

By Julian Omidi





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