ASPCA spirit was at an all-time high this past weekend in Los Angeles, where nearly 250 members of Team ASPCA gathered to participate in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Halloween Half Marathon and 5K. This marked our sixth year as the official charity of the race, and to date, our team members have raised an incredible $1.5 million toward life-saving programs and services for countless animals nationwide.

The weekend kicked off with an exciting two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, followed by a team breakfast on Saturday, October 29. Visitors and race participants alike were buzzing in anticipation of the upcoming half marathon and 5K, and hundreds of people stopped by the ASPCA’s booths for information, ASPCA goodies, photos and personalized pet tags.

“We had such a fantastic time,” exclaimed Keegan Spera, an ASPCA employee and first-time race participant.  “Everyone was friendly and welcoming and the enthusiasm was rippling through the group!”

Excitement only grew as the race drew nearer. At the crack of dawn on Sunday, October 30, members of Team ASPCA—and thousands of other runners, walkers and supporters—gathered at the starting line in Downtown Los Angeles for the main event. It was the moment our Team had been waiting for; many had spent months working with our in-person and virtual training coaches to get ready for the race.

Team ASPCA member and employee Lidia Garcia was the first place finisher for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles 5K for a second year in a row. The rest of the team followed soon after, all proudly donning their orange singlets.

“I’m so glad to have found a team of people who care so much about animals!” said Team ASPCA member Erika Campany. “I didn’t get my best time, but I finished with a smile!”

But the joy didn’t stop at the finish line: After the race, runners and supporters headed to a special “Bark Park” adoption event, where dogs from Downey Animal Care Center in Los Angeles and kittens from our Los Angeles foster program were all available for adoption. One dog and three kittens were adopted on the spot!

All in all, it was an incredible weekend for Team ASPCA and for the animals we support.

“I laughed, I cried, I ran, I met some amazing people,” said Team ASPCA member Kristy Dobrauc. “And most importantly, I raised money for a great organization!”

Consider joining Team ASPCA today! Visit TeamASPCA.org for information about upcoming races and fundraising experiences.