The 2018 Tommy Scott Memorial LAX Run is just over a week away and promises to be bigger and better than ever! Make sure you don’t miss your chance to join the Los Angeles Airport Police and other law enforcement agencies in a full weekend devoted to fun and fitness, all culminating in the only race you can run at LAX. If you plan to run but haven’t registered yet, we’re even offering you a special 25% discount — see below for the promo code!
Hosted by the Los Angeles Airport Police Athletics and Activities League in partnership with LAAPOA, Los Angeles World Airports and the Association of Airport Employees, this annual event brings police and the public together to benefit a worthy cause: the Tommy Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund, which has provided more than 20 outstanding young people with educational assistance to achieve their dreams. Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Scott died heroically on April 29, 2005, while protecting the aviation community from a man intent on crashing a vehicle into an airplane on the LAX runway. Every year since, his fellow LAXPD officers have conducted a run around the airport perimeter to honor his dedication to physical fitness, public safety and service. What began as a small, informal tribute was transformed into a full-fledged USATF-certified and sanctioned community event in 2015, memorializing the 10th anniversary of Officer Scott’s death with a 5K and 10K run. It further expanded in 2016 to include a half-marathon course, and the 2017 run set a participation record with 1,119 registrants.
Even more exciting developments are underway this year, as the festivities extend to two days! On Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., runners, their families and friends, and the public are invited to enjoy our second annual Tommy Scott Memorial Car Show. There will also be a health and wellness expo featuring Anytime Fitness, Nutrishop and other vendors. Both events are free and will be held on Loyola Boulevard between La Tijera Boulevard and Westchester Parkway — the site of the planned new airport police facility due to begin construction this summer. Early race check-in is available at the expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; those who cannot attend on Saturday can pick up their registration packets on Sunday morning beginning at 6 a.m.
On April 29 at 7:30 a.m., an inspirational opening ceremony featuring civic and agency leaders will kick off the race at the start/finish line at Los Angeles Fire Department Station No. 5. The half-marathon begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K start at 8:10 and the 5K start at 8:30. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in a ceremony scheduled for 9:20 a.m., with custom-designed 2018 medals for all those crossing the finish line. The cutoff time for all races is 11:30 a.m.
“We look forward to joining with so many athletes, law enforcement supporters and other community members in celebrating the life of Tommy Scott and sharing the values he embodied through his service and sacrifice,” says LAAPOA President Marshall McClain. “The LAX Run is a healthy and family-friendly opportunity to explore our airport neighborhood while connecting with local public safety officers and continuing Tommy’s legacy of helping others.”
All are welcome to attend the car show and expo, and to cheer on the runners on race day. Registration for runners is still open, and as a reader of the BOLO e-newsletter, you can get a 25% discount by using the code BOLO25 at checkout! If you would like to participate in other ways, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Visit laxrun.laapoa.com for further details and to register, volunteer, donate or sponsor.
See you on April 28 and 29!