LOS ANGELES — Early on Saturday, May 13, the biggest field of runners to date completed the Tommy Scott Memorial 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon at LAX. With 1,119 registrants and 200 more participants than 2016, the USATF-certified and sanctioned event continues to grow by leaps and bounds year after year.

The run began as a small, informal tribute to fallen Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Tommy Scott by fellow officers but has evolved into a community-wide event that benefits the Tommy Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund and helps young people achieve their education goals. Hosted annually by LAAPAAL (the nonprofit charitable organization of LAAPOA), Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and the Association of Airport Employees (AAE), and supported by a small army of sponsors and volunteers, the Tommy Scott Run is always an event to remember.

This year’s cool weather provided comfortable conditions for the participants. The course started and finished at Westchester/LAX Fire Station No. 5 on Emerson Avenue, and went along the perimeter of the airport. Before the runners took their marks, dignitaries including Airport Police Captain Tyrone Stallings, LAWA Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint, Inglewood Mayor (and former LAX Deputy Executive Director in charge of Homeland Security and Public Safety) James Butts and 35th District Senator Steven Bradford addressed the crowd, and Christopher Anyakwo presented a proclamation from L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office. In his opening remarks, LAAPOA President Marshall McClain acknowledged Tommy Scott’s parents for attending the run year after year. Sadly, Tommy’s father, Hubert, passed away in 2016, but Tommy’s beloved stepmother, JoAnn, was there to represent the family and provide hugs and medals after the race.

“Once again this year, we are overwhelmed and grateful to all of the sponsors, volunteers, participants and spectators who came out and made this event a success,” says President McClain. “The enthusiasm and hard work of everyone involved, from the organizers to the runners, means so much to the officers of our department. Although we continue to miss our brother Tommy Scott, we take great comfort from the camaraderie and friendships generated by this event, and I know that seeing hundreds of people having fun for a great cause would make him smile. Just before the start of National Police Week, when we honor law enforcement and remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty, it was wonderful to experience this show of support for public safety from our community.”

For more information, including race results, visit laxrun.laapoa.com.