This year, the Hollywood Half is ready to roll out the red carpet. All participants, whether running the 5K, 10K, or the half marathon will be treated just like a star. Why? Because you deserve it!
There are so many wonderful stories that we have received about why people have chosen to participate in this year's event. Some people are dedicating their runs to others, such as those running with Team Run3rd. Others are running to raise money for causes like autism, animal rescue, and cancer. This certainly makes our name Superhero Events even more fitting.
We are looking for a few more stars to run alongside those that are already registered. There are so many causes and reasons why people run - and we want to hear about them!
Do you think you should be a star?
Tell us your story about why you want to run in this year's Hollywood Half on April 6th. Superhero Events, along with your help, will be selecting one lucky runner to receive a complimentary entry to the race. Are you already registered but know of someone who isn't? Share their story and win them an entry!
Post your "Why I Should Be A Star" story in the comments section below along with your email. Then help spread the word by posting the contest on Facebook and Twitter. The more the merrier right?
On Saturday, March 30th, a star will be born when one lucky winner will be chosen to run the red carpet, on us, at the Hollywood Half. Good luck and start training because you just may be running a half marathon on April 6th!
All entries must be received by Friday, March 29th at 9:00 p.m. PST.
I am your star runner because....
ReplyDeleteI adore the screaming crowds. I don’t care who they are really cheering for, when I pass them, in my mind, it’s all for me. There is the person waving an American flag, the little girl giving you a high-five and passing out orange slices and the man holding a sign that says, “The reason your feet hurt is because you are kicking ass.”
Then there are my fellow runners. Running with thousands of strangers might seem lonely, but in actuality, the more miles that pass, the more they become like old friends. There is the 70-year-old man greeted by his grandchildren at the finish line, the woman with breast cancer running because she can, the group of college roommates celebrating their 40th birthdays and the man running with a sign on his back that says, “For my wife, in heaven.”
Internally, there are feelings of power, determination, courage and beauty that surge like the shuttle on a clear morning. Suddenly, I am the most powerful person in the universe. It’s a time of true surrender to my God-given abilities. There is new-found energy and motivation I didn’t even know existed.
We runners have something many other people don’t. We have a fire in our bellies that burns at 6am and propels us out of bed and out the door. We have the sense that others often question when we try to dodge an impending thunderstorm because we gotta get the miles in. We rely on our GPS watches to not allow us to stop at 9.95 miles when 10 was the goal. Life’s to-do’s get fit in between runs–never the other way around.
No matter how much I hurt, especially during the last few miles, the pain mysteriously vanishes during the last half mile. Happens every time. The finish line is in sight, crowds are getting louder, music is roaring, I make a final push and later discover on my GPS that this is when I ran my fastest. My name is announced and photographers are there to capture the moment. Then sweet angels swoop in after I cross the line to wrap me in a heavenly space blanket and, if I'm really lucky, hand me a bottle of cold water. My throat becomes tight when they say “Congratulations” and put the medal around my neck. Every time I say I won’t cry, but nevertheless, when I try to say “Thank you," tears come out instead of words.
I am your star runner.
tmbercu@gmail.com forgot to post my e-mail :)
ReplyDeleteTanya,
DeleteYour words speak volumes! You are a superstar!
Twitter@Nippon98
Because i am poor!!!
ReplyDeleteWHY "WE" SHOULD BE A STAR!
ReplyDeleteWHY WE RUN
I've lost track of exactly how many runs my brother and I have done so far.
But I originally started our journey because I didn't want my brother to spend the rest of his life in his wheelchair watching other people achieving goals.
If you don't already know our story.
My younger brother Tysen is completely disabled due to spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and has scoliosis, epilepsy and he's non verbal.
Making the decision to team up with him in run's has been the best choice I could ever make.
It's opened him up to a whole new world of participation that someone like him wouldn't have experienced.
I remember when he was in school. His classrooms were always separated, sometimes in the parking lot in bungalows away from the "Normal" students.
Well, I don't want him to be separated ever again.
I want Tysen alongside the normal able bodied people.
Everyone can learn something from my brother. For one, Be Thankful that you can stand up and use your legs to run.
Also for us. We struggle for every dollar to enter runs. And it's not always easy to do so.
~Tyler: Team Lucas
TysensAtTheBeach@aol.com
My story is the same as countless others, I used to be obese. Like, 320 pounds worth of obese.
ReplyDeleteI used to be sad. Like, lie on the couch and feel bad for myself sad.
Because I was obese and sad, I used to believe I couldn’t do a lot of things.
If someone wanted me to run I would say, “I only run if someone was chasing me.”
Then a friend invited me to walk with her and some folks. I would listen to them talk about running and their next race and I would get jealous.
So I decided to start running.
I didn’t think I could, but I decided to try. I did C25K….twice.
Then I started B210K, but realized I just wanted to go out and run.
I made time with people who liked to run. I made new friends. I read articles, took advice, and signed up for a race.
I started blogging.
I got in a fender bender and still rushed to the track.
I lost 50 pounds.
On March 3, 2011 I did my first 5K. It took me 40 minutes. My friends signed my bib. My mom stood crying at the finish line.
I loved it.
I signed up for a couple more 5Ks and a Mud Run.
Then someone said, “Let’s do a 10K”. Before I did the 10K, I was already signed up for a half marathon.
On June 2, 2011 I did my first 10K, it took me almost an hour and a half…I was hooked.
On December 3, 2011, I did my first Half Marathon in Las Vegas.
In 2011, I did 12 races.
I started waking up at 5:30am to get a run in.
I started meeting my running partner at 7:30am on Saturdays.
I lost another 30 pounds.
I started living a different life.
I started living.
I signed up to do 10 Half Marathons in 2012, including a stretch of 3 in 3 weeks. (The inaugural Hollywood Half being the 3rd of 3)
I started doing speedwork on the treadmill.
I ran in Disneyland, I ran in Dallas, I ran in Dublin, Ireland.
I did a Sprint Triathlon.
I decided to run the LA Marathon.
For me, running became a way to play sports without sucking, although it is unlikely that I will ever win a race.
Someday, I may sign up for a small enough race that I come in 3rd in my age group. Maybe.
Running has taken my time and my money.
BUT, what running has given me is so precious. It has given me the confidence and a can-do attitude that I pretended to have before.
Running has ensured that I’m living a life that is big enough for me. I’m stronger, healthier and
Let’s face it, sexier.
It saved my life.
I run because I believe that we talk ourselves out of things because we’re scared or unconfident or overweight. And I don’t want to talk myself out of anything.
I’ve literally done EVERYTHING I’ve set my mind to…why not this?
The simple truth is that my story is not that different from hundreds, possibly thousands, of people who want to run in Hollywood. There are a lot of success stories. People who lost weight through running, people who found their confidence through running.
I want to show that it doesn’t matter where you are in your journey or what you *think* you can or can’t do. You just need to go out there and do it. It doesn’t matter how big you are or how long it will take you.
There are no excuses. I have a body that can run and that was meant to move.
I want to be a role model for people who think they "CAN'T" or want to "WAIT UNTIL".
I'm not the thinnest, I'm not the fastest, but I'll be damned if I'm not trying my hardest.
This is why I AM A STAR!
That is my Marathon Story.
First off, I think anyone who puts their mind to do a Half Marathon or Marathon are automatically stars! It takes lots of dedication and will power, so to all of my fellow runners...WE ROCK!!
ReplyDeleteI signed up last year for The Hollywood 10k, it was going to be my FIRST 10k ever. However, I had an emergency appendectomy in March which was going to cause me not to run the race. The hell I said! I went to the expo and picked up my bib, took my picture and was soooo pumped. I even begged for clearance with my doctor who gave me the ok, as long as I took it easy and stopped if I was in pain. Race day arrives and I am dressed and ready to go. On my way to the race, I got a flat tire. Ok God, I get it...you don't want me to run. So I backed down and didnt do anything crazy like take a taxi. Since then, I have run 2 Half Marathons and counting! I wanted SOOOOO badly to sign up for the Hollywood Half this year, however I am a 25 year old who works hard and supports my mother, sister and niece. Family comes first in my heart, running is my MUCH appreciated therapy at the end of the day. When I register for runs, I'm always pinching pennies, regretting using the money on running when I could have bought something for the family. I can't help it though, I'm a runner...WE ARE CRAZY!!
So, that's my story. All the other stories I have read are so great and inspiring. I wish everyone the best of luck. HAPPY RUNNING!!
liana0711@gmail.com
"Why I Should Be A Star"
ReplyDeleteIm a Super star to two beautiful kids!! My kids watch my every move and think Im a super mom!! For the pasted months my situation is been difficult, I lost my job and little by little I became mom&dad to my kids!! Now I know if someone that know me reads this they will not believe it. I keep my emotions and troubles to myself All I want is to get that feeling back of crossing that line and feel for that moment when my kids see me that I am A Super Star to someone that never stops believing in me. Thank You for this Opportunity and good luck to everyone You all have amazing stories!!
Marisolmds2012@gmail.com
It would be an honor to be your Super Hero Runner!
ReplyDeleteAs a native Angelino, I ran race last year with Pride, Orgullo and Enthusiasm that only an LA kid, born in East LA can have. I am your Super Hero!
As a runner, I not only bring my sneakers, with hundreds of miles, but also my social media family. Along course, I will Tweet, Instagram and Facebook every exciting mile! While wearing a Red Cape and my cool race shirt, I'll also make sure to post plenty from the pre-race expo!
And finally, my passion! As an avid runner, I've run some pretty cool races the last few years. Hollywood Half would once again be the highlight of my year! I went back to my posts after race last year, and it was amazing to run the streets of Hollywood!!!
Thank you for considering me to represent your race as a native Angelino Hollywood Half Super Hero!
PS - I wasn't kidding about the cape!!
Jesse.perez@disney.com
Hey Super Hero Events Crew, Rad Runner here to make a stand,
ReplyDeleteA stand for my goal to perspire and inspire on a daily basis....
I ran last years inagural run and want to keep the fun going, I want to run the 2nd annual race to support the crowd, the runners and Super Hero Events alike! All positions hold an equally important roll, and I want to be your ambassador, your cheerleader and your legacy runner!
As a chick who strongly believes that goals are just dreams unless you make a plan and put them in to action, Im sitting here, typing my goal, to become the first official Hollywood Half Ambassador :)
I just ran my 11th marathon and shared it with a special friend- I coached her through her ups and downs of her very first marathon- the only goal in mind was to get her to the finish and to smile along the way-I was lucky enough to see Ken along the way too! I want to share the same enthusiasm with all my runners out there on the course this April, because if you really think about it, all us runners REALLY are a BIG BUNCH OF SWEATY FRIENDS!
-High fives, cupcakes and Running Shoes
xo Rad Runner
radrunnergirl@gmail.com
I am that friend Rad Runner mentioned. She led me thru the finish line of my 1st 1/2 and full marathon. I was so nervous and she was able to lead me to the finish lines with a smile on my face and the best feeling ever! Her passion, ambition, and positive energy makes her the best candidate to be a star at this race. By choosing her, you will give so many others the opportunity to run alongside Rad Runner Erica which will only add excitement and motivation to their race!
Delete"Why I Should Be A Star"
ReplyDeleteThe Name I choose for my Team is called:
A Hat Full of Dreams..
After being a single mother raising my children for 20 plus years on welfare and without childsupport. I have seen many things along the journey of life, I want our kids to know that they were born with a purpose in life and to believe in themself.. take your education very seriously.. make smart choices, Live, Laugh, and Love.
Tina~ A Hat Full of Dream's "in a Ladies Future"
What is your email address?
DeleteWhy I should be a star,
ReplyDeleteThere are moments in our lives, where we make a decision that alters the course of our lives forever.
After losing my job year ago and weighed in at 245 lbs. my heaviest ever. I was starting to feel more unhealthy and wasn't paying attention to my body. Then the unthinkable happened, my body broke-down and I was rushed to the Emergency Room. I had to stay a few days at the hospital and I learned that I had been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
I was in total shock, I was sad, and thought I was going to die a young death. I'm already a DEAF individual, so this shocked me to my very core. While unable to do anything for a while, I used this time to think. I said to myself that this is something that I can control and I can change. I decided to transform my body as a weapon to fight this disease through health and fitness and so I became a late blooming athlete.
Running gave me purpose, strength and a community. Yet it’s so much more, I run for everyone who has ever been touched by diabetes, cancer, AIDS, obesity and many others --that includes caregivers, those currently fighting it, and those who've lost their lives--I carry them with me in my heart while I run. Thus finding out that we’re so much capable of things we never imagined and that's all the motivation I'll ever need. As Bon Jovi once said “It’s my life it’s now or never I ain’t going to live forever”
The Hollywood Half Marathon, is personal because not only was it my 2nd half marathon ever that pushed me out of my comfort zone one but where my idea hatched. Because of all the running I was doing, and countless other races. A few months after Hollywood I created "Bless Your Sole" which seeks to provide less fortunate Deaf and Hard of Hearing men, women, children, and people with disabilities with moderately worn athletic shoes. All shoes are donated from the community, churches, non-profits, race events, etc. Running saved me and I just wanted to pass that blessing to others.
Being a diabetic is not a death sentence. My disease was only a minor setback and I knew I could beat this, choosing to overcome obstacles and believing in all possibilities. Running has given me the will to push to live. That I may have a disease, but the disease doesn't have me. In Hollywood I may not “hear” the cheers, I may not be the fastest, and I certainly don’t do this for the applause. But you asked why I should be a star well because “There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine” As we run may we all shine as bright as the stars.
A Future Hollywood Half Marathon 2013 runner,
“Big” Mike
mkagyin@yhahoo.com
What gets me moving is my kids. They inspire me. Its been a year and a half since i started running, and now my kids ask me: " When is our next family 5k, mom?"
ReplyDeleteMy friend Sylvia should get a free registration because she gives so much for the city of LA. She passionately works for the city for long hours a day. As a result, she has gain weight. However, she is determined to lose the pounds and really wants to do the Hollywood 5k/10k/marathon. She doesn't know that I know this, but she's been secretly training on the sly every moment she gets. Please give her a free registration to the 5k so she can come out into the open! Thanks in advance. www.cheapskateaholic@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI would really like to be a star and run this half marathon because all of my life I have been told what I can and can not do. I have been bullied and I have been told I am not good enough, not strong enough, not pretty enough... you name it! I started running a few months ago at 23 because I finally decided to do something purely for myself. People are very quick to tell me that I shouldn't even try, that I am too fat to run or whatever else. Recently I have been able to log 10 miles in about 8:30 mins per mile (something I have never been able to do in my life, let alone run a single mile!) and I know I can run a half marathon! I would love to run this to prove to everyone, and more importantly myself, that I can and will do anything I set my mind to!
ReplyDeleteI started running four years ago to improved my health. I have lost weight and have been come a healthier and happier person.
ReplyDeleteThe Hollywood Half takes place on my 29th birthday and it would be awesome to celebrate my final birthday before my thirties as a "star" and have fun running the red carpet!
Traci L
tracispaci@gmail.com
"Why I Should Be A Star?"
ReplyDeleteMy name is Wendy and I have been running for about 15 months. I have accomplished many goals in but running was something that was difficult. In the past 15 months, I have ran 19 half marathons n 4 full marathons n many 5k n 10ks. I began running because my little brother started but I knew I would be a challenge.
16 years ago, I found out that I had a cyst in my brain. To my luck it decided to grow on the nerve that controls my left leg so I have been dealing with partial seizures that last about a week. This has made even walking hard now imagine me running. I usually get these episode 4-5 times a year. I have also have 3 gran mal seizures so running would be extremely difficult.
I began running knowing that my seizures would come in any time. I fear that I would have one during one of my races but I challenged myself. Since January of 2012, I must say I have only had two episodes. One was the day of the LA RnR n guess what I ran/walk the whole 13.1 miles with seizures. This is the main reason "Why I should be a star" because I did the impossible with all these medics trying to kick me out of the race.
One episode in one whole year, oh I'm running for ever now. I did have another seizure while running the Rose Bowl half n I took a big fall because it happened when I was in mile 5. I ran the rest of the race with the help of 3 complete strangers in the rain.
You ask "Why I should be a star?" I think it's because I never give up n let anything get in the way of what I started! I finish!! I love running and I have a great passion for it :)
email address is: wendy_cerrato@yahoo.com
Aurora De Lucia is the true star of running. She ran 52 races in 52 weeks of 2012 for raising money for charity, only one year after she had an open heart surgery. YES, you heard right! She has an incredible story and she shares it with everyone on her blog. Please, check it out.
ReplyDeletehttp://auroraisblogging.com/
She is one of my favorite friend because of her passion about anything she is into, her beautiful heart and amazing attitude. She is an inspiration not only to me but also to anyone who met her. While she ran 52 races in 2012, she welcomed well any city she went to run. She had interviews w local TV channels and running magazines.
She is the one has to be the star of Hollywood half because she inspires others with her running while raising money for charity and improving her own health. And she is crazy for running this race.
Joy Nesem Mergen, mynese3@hotmail.com
I hands down nominate my friends Rad Runner Erica!
ReplyDeleteShe is an insperation both on and off the road, she is an uplifting and enthusiastic individual, and I couldnt imagine a better place for her to be other then on that road, running and cheering for her fellow runners!