Shia LaBoeuf runs the LA Marathon for U.S. Vets
As a featured charity of the LA Marathon, U.S. Vets picked a great event to share their cause with a community and a nation.
Nearly 25,000 runners hit the pavement early Sunday morning for the 25th annual Los Angeles Marathon. Among the celebs participating in the 26.2-mile trek from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier were Shia LaBeouf, Lord of the Rings star Sean Astin, Hell’s Kitchen overlord Gordon Ramsay, The Bachelor’s Andy Baldwin and Hills star Audrina Patridge. Shia, who ran his first marathon Sunday in a respectable time of 4:35, selected U.S. Vets as his charity of choice and told race organizers he was “running for his father and his uncle.”
U.S. Vets went way beyond the call of duty for their first first marathon. Jerlene Tatum, development director, said the LA-based charity sponsored a stage for the USO to “entertain the troops” as they trekked from Stadium to the Sea. Although there was quite an expense for the event (please consider contributing $10 by phone in the widget below!), Tatum said participating in this marathon was a huge boost for U.S. Vets and inspired them to help other vets get involved in future races across the U.S. Credit for the production of the USO event goes to John Brown of the Show Pros and Harushi Tetsuka of Laguna Creative.
Each year:
- 3,000 veterans receive housing and comprehensive support services
- 1,100 veterans return to full time employment
- 250 disabled and senior veterans receive permanent housing
- Serve 700,000 meals
- Provide 4500 therapeutic and self-help groups
