LAPD Officer Vows To Run L.A. Marathon In Full Uniform To Honor The Fallen
ELYSIAN PARK (CBSLA.com) — An officer with the Los Angeles Police Department plans to run this year's Los Angeles Marathon in uniform to honor the fallen and raise funds for their families.
Kristina Tudor, 28, says her every stride March 15 will represent perseverance through adversity, which is what families of LAPD officers injured or killed in the line of duty face daily.
"Their lives changed instantly with no notice," Tudor said. "I think them enduring the loss of their loved ones in the line of duty is probably tougher than I could ever imagine. Obviously, tougher than running the marathon."
Tudor is no stranger to long-distance running and has competed in races above the standard marathon distance.
"I really value being able to use my own two legs, my heart and a set of lungs and I thought, 'Why not do it for the department?' " she said.
Tudor says she trained hard for this marathon by wearing the additional 25 pounds of her uniform, and during the marathon, plans to wear her boots, utility belt with gear, Kevlar vest, tie and hat.
But, she says, she'll stay focused and run for their lives.
"In memory, in thoughts of them like, 'Hey, you're not forgotten.' We understand you lost somebody. This department still cares. And we're showing it," she said.
The funds raised will go to Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation. To donate, visit gofundme.com.
