Cultural Happenings: LA Marathon Volunteering

The 38th annual Los Angeles marathon hosted 22,000 runners traveling 26.2 miles through the heart of Los Angeles - from Dodger Stadium to Century City - to benefit the McCourt Foundation, an organization that enriches the lives of those affected by neurological diseases. LifeTRAVELED volunteered at the marathon at a Department of State designated fluid station at mile 20. Participants from Orlando, Florida and Baltimore, Maryland flew to Los Angeles for the weekend to experience the cultural offerings of the famous city and volunteer. Our duty as fluid station volunteer was to keep cups filled with an electrolyte drink, hand out cups of the beverage to passing runners, and encourage runners to stay hydrated. After the eight-hour event, LifeTRAVELED treated the participants to an American fast-food favorite - Fatburger - where participants chowed down on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Apart from the volunteering participants spent their personal time exploring Los Angeles, such as Santa Monica Pier and Hollywood Boulevard. A few interns extended their trip and continued on to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Overall, the volunteer experience allowed the participants to experience a US marathon without the cardio and give back to the American community.