Mr. Jaravata - 25 Years of SRLA
In this week’s blog we celebrate the retirement of a long time SRLA Leader and a super star in the running community, Mr. Jaravarta. Mr. Jaravata has been inspiring students to be their best selves on and off the marathon course since 1998 In that time he has completed over 500 Marathons and brought joy to countless runners. Thank you for everything you have done for your students and for SRLA! Mr. Jaravata, we celebrate you!
How many times have you completed the Los Angeles Marathon?
26 (since 1997). Only missed it in 2007 because I had to run the Antarctica Marathon.
What motivated you to become an SRLA Leader?
I’m an experienced marathoner and I like to share my experience to these kids. I like them to be empowered.
What is your favorite memory (so far!) from SRLA?
When the LA Marathon was exactly on my birthday, my SRLA kids sang “Happy Birthday” on our way to the start line. Another fave memory was at mile 25 (2021 race), a former SRLA and math student cheered for me and thanked me for motivating her.
What has been your biggest challenge as a leader? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge as a leader was the year of the pandemic. It was harder to motivate the students. Also was it safe to run or not? The uncertainty is challenging.
What’s something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I finished more than 500 marathons and ultras and in all 50 states and seven continents. But I haven’t done an ironman or even a sprint triathlon. I can’t swim.
What is your favorite training tip, quote, or words of advice that you share with your students?
Just enjoy the race, the course, the people, and be kind to everyone.
What is something about SRLA that brings you joy?
Going to SRLA events and seeing smiles from the students, leaders, staff, and volunteers brings me joy. I love SRLA. I can’t believe I’ve been with them for 25 years. I started as a Friend my first year. Then became on of the support/secondary leaders and eventually the primary leader for 12 years.
Anything else you would like to share?
I’m retiring after 25 years with LAUSD (24 years at San Fernando High School). So this year, I might try to do 25 marathons. But I’ll do it in a slow pace.
Rapid Fire!
My favorite race has been...
Beside LAM, I like to run New York City Marathon. The crowd is amazing. I finished NYCM 8 times.
The longest run I've ever finished was...
I did two 100 milers (Nanny Goat and Boundiful). Both races are in Hemet and both one-mile loop course. I love running in loops.
One thing I can't run without is...
Cell phone so I can take more selfies.
My favorite place to run is...
I like running in Griffith Park because I always see other running friends.
My favorite post-run snack...
Salty chips or maybe a fried rice with salted fish.
The best part of every race is...
The finish line.
YOU CAN HELP LEADERS LIKE DEO INSPIRE GENERATIONS OF STUDENT RUNNERS
Donate, volunteer, or sponsor our students to make a difference with SRLA.