You Are A Superstar!

There has been a lot of focus on various things for this event.  The celebrities, the course, and most importantly, our charities, Los Angeles Youth Network and Covenant House California have all been in the spotlight.

Tomorrow is about you.  Without you, we would not have reached our fundraising goal of $500,000.  Without you, we would not have an event.  Whether you are running the 5K, 10K, or half marathon, all of you are the reason the we have been able to make the Hollywood Half Marathon possible.

Jett Dunlap of RunHollywood.com will be out on the course tomorrow looking for you.  Tell him your story, your cause, what keeps you running.  It is time for your spotlight. 

We want to hear all about you and collect video clips of our runners that have done so much to deserve red carpet treatment. If you see Jett, flag him down and make sure you get to be the star that you are.

Good luck to everyone tomorrow!

What Are You Doing After The Race? This Guy Is Gettin' Hitched!

There are a lot of things people want to do after running a half marathon.  Get a massage, eat a burger, and take a nap are all fairly common answers that we get from our participants.

This year, we have someone doing something a little out of the ordinary for a post-race activity.  He is getting married. Yup, as in walking down the aisle after the Hollywood Half Marathon.

Francisco Hernandez has been running since he was 14 years old with SRLA, (Students Run L.A.) and is now a volunteer with the program. He has run 18 L.A. Marathons, 3 Ultra-Marathons, countless 1/2 Marathons, including last year's Hollywood Half (go legacy!), 10Ks and 5Ks.

After the race, Francisco will be heading to Woodland Hills to meet his bride, Hillary Hazelton for their evening wedding.

Francisco and Hillary met at Union Station and although she was a little nervous to let him run, she knows that running is his passion and just couldn't stop him from his legacy status.  Hillary reports that once Francisco found out that both events fell on the same day, he was nervous to ask her but the lure of the legacy was too strong.

He just had to promise Hillary every single dance at their wedding.  Not a bad deal!

Good luck to Francisco (bib #472) and CONGRATULATIONS to him and Hillary on this special day.  Wishing you a lifetime of Hollywood Half Marathons and happiness.  Maybe you can name your first child after race directors Ken or Sabrina?

Our STAR Blog Contest Winner!

A STAR IS BORN!

Thank you for all of your entries.  There were so many inspirational stories that is was difficult to choose one star.  "Big" Mike, as he signed his entry, not only has an inspirational story, but has also used his trials to help others.

Congratulations Mike on being chosen to be a Hollywood Half Marathon Star, and we are honored to have you join us on race day.

Here is his story:

Why I should be a star,

There 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.

Be A Star At The Hollywood Half - Run on Us!

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.