Resilient Teen Overcomes Tragedy to Conquer LA Marathon Again

FIRE SURVIVOR COMPETES IN L.A. MARATHON

Despite the lingering devastation from the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, the city displayed its vibrant spirit as over 21,000 runners participated in the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday. The marathon route was filled with spectators cheering, symbolizing a community’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Among the many participants was Abel Rivera, a 15-year-old whose home was destroyed in the Eaton fire earlier this year. Having lost his house in Altadena to the flames in January, Rivera, who is a member of his high school’s running team, returned to the marathon for a second time to demonstrate his strength and perseverance.

‘Fifteen years of my life is basically gone’

Rivera, whose home was completely ravaged by the fire, explained the impact of the loss. “I lost a house and not really the way I wanted to. I didn’t want to leave it behind that way,” he shared with NPR. Reflecting on the loss, he said, “Fifteen years of my life is basically gone. Everything that I’ve accomplished, every single medal I have, every single collection – everything I had is gone.”

His story, previously aired on NPR, resonated with many, leading some listeners to offer him their own medals. The McCourt Foundation, organizers of the marathon, stepped in to replace his medal from the previous year.

Running became a therapeutic outlet for Rivera as he faced the challenges brought on by the fire’s aftermath. Despite a brief pause due to air quality concerns, he and his teammates from Pasadena’s Blair High School continued their training to prepare for the marathon.

The marathon route, starting at Dodger Stadium, took runners through iconic locations such as downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Beverly Hills. Rivera anticipated the physical challenge: “I think for the first 10 miles, I’ll probably be alright, then mile 11-12 I’ll probably be struggling. I’d say 20-24 I’ll probably be hurting a lot,” he predicted.

Unlike the uncontrollable emotional turmoil from the fires, the marathon’s physical demands were a challenge he willingly embraced.

‘Doing it for our city’

The impact of the wildfires extended beyond Rivera. Two other students from Blair High’s running club also lost their homes, and others faced evacuations. The Pasadena Unified School District closed several schools due to fire damage, further affecting the students’ lives.

Coach Eric Glenn found the marathon experience to be a meaningful demonstration of unity and determination. “It just feels like we’re doing it for our city, you know?” he stated. Rivera began the marathon alongside his mother, Lupe Melchor, but completed the race on his own, achieving a personal milestone.

“It feels like a milestone,” Rivera expressed at the finish line. “And running the marathon is nostalgic. It reminds me of times before I had the fire.” His mother, who completed the race shortly after, shared a tender moment with him as they reunited.

The marathon concluded with all of Blair High School’s team members, including Coach Glenn, successfully finishing the race. Around 3,000 students from the Los Angeles area took part through a program called Students Run LA.

“They just did a hard thing while going through a hard thing. And it’s really a testament to their resilience and it’s super inspirational,” Glenn remarked.

As Los Angeles begins its journey of recovery and rebuilding, Rivera and his family remain hopeful despite being without a permanent home. “I feel really good about myself, that no matter what, I can always push through,” Rivera reflected.