‘Love Share Marathon’ returns to LA Koreatown after 4-year hiatus

After a four-year break, the ‘Love Share Marathon’ is set to make a comeback to the streets of Koreatown in Los Angeles next month.

The Korea Daily Happy Village ‘Love Share Marathon,’ which was canceled for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. on September 16.

The 2023 10th Annual LOVE SHARE 5k/10k run/walk is sponsored by the California State Government, Office of 10th District Councilwoman Heather Hutt, and Nongshim, South Korean food and beverage company which is well known for best-selling instant noodle brand “Shin Ramyun”.

The run/walk event is organized as a festival with the theme ‘Stop the Hate & Share the Love with the Community,’ encouraging participation from neighbors of various ethnicities.

This year’s event will also mark the 49th anniversary of the Korea Daily, and it will offer even more generous gifts and attractions. Just as in previous years, the proceeds from the event will be used to support schools and nonprofit organizations, not only within the Korean community but also among other ethnic communities.

With just over a month to go, the Love Share Marathon is anticipated to provide a space for the community to come together and socialize in a post-pandemic environment.

Already, 100 runners have registered from the Happy Runners group, 40 from the Easy Runners, and 30 each from the Korean American Running Team (KART), South Bay Running Team (SBRT), and LA Runners.

The Unification of Disabled Latin Americans (UDLA), a close partner of Koreatown, is preparing to bring together 200 members, their families, and friends.

Churches and schools are also joining in the event. Ark of Noah Church (led by Pastor Young-kyu Kim) will have 50 members from the Support Team for the Elderly participating as a group, while Rainbow Child Development Center (under the direction of Eunice Lee) will see 40 families of kindergarten students and parents walking and running together on the day.

Thirteen families have also signed up for the event as part of a family initiative.

Several LAUSD schools in the Korean American community, including Rise Kohyang Middle School, Cahuenga Elementary School, New Open World, and Ambassador School, are planning to bring teachers, students, and parents together to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the marathon.

The marathon is open to all participants, starting from the front of the Wiltern Theater at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue in the heart of LA Koreatown. The route follows Wilshire Street through the urban landscape and loops back around MacArthur Park to the starting point.

Every participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt, and those who successfully complete the race on the designated day will be awarded a medal and a certificate of completion. A variety of souvenirs and gifts will also be available.

Interested participants can register for the 2023 10th Annual LOVE SHARE 5k/10k run/walk until September 14 through https://myhappyvillage.org/5k or by calling 213-368-2630 or 2607.

Registration fees are set at $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors or groups, and free for children aged 10 and under.

Inquiries: (213)368-2630, 2607

BY NICOLE CHANG    [chang.nicole@koreadaily.com]