SHP Proudly Participated in the LB Marathon

By Kristy

Signal Hill Petroleum proudly participated in the 29th annual Long Beach Marathon on Sunday, October 13, 2013, sponsoring members to run on behalf of Farm Lot 59. Farm lot 59 is a local, volunteer-based non-profit organization run by local farmer Sasha Kanno that focuses on educating residents about urban farming as well as training youths to plant and farm organically. As a company, Signal Hill Petroleum was able to raise one-thousand dollars to support Sasha and her organization through the efforts of employees participating in any one of the Long Beach Marathon’s four events.

The marathon, half-marathon, and bike trail took participants through the serene ocean views of downtown Long Beach to the picturesque tree-lined streets of Cal State Long Beach.  Taylor, Robert, Vince and his family, and myself were fortunate enough to take place in the 5-k run which allowed us to finish in time to cheer marathon and half-marathon runners as they neared the finish line. The support of those volunteering their time to serve water, present medals, offer snacks, and cheer participants on elevated the overall feelings of accomplishment and positivity throughout the day’s events. The communal support enabled us to put our best foot forward for a great cause and motivated us to participate in the half-marathon race for next year’s 30th anniversary.

Once all of the events came to an end, our team and their families made their way to local spot Tracy’s Bar and Grill for a celebratory lunch to share our individual memories, experiences, and photographs of the morning’s events. Team-building, communal cooperation, charity, and personal accomplishment were the themes and sentiments felt by all who participated. A special thank-you goes out to Taylor Colacion, Debra Russell, Kevin Laney, and Jill Robinson for their work in organizing and promoting this wonderful event that I am so proud to have been a part of!

Sasha Kanno from FarmLot59 was generous enough to say a few words about what the marathon meant to her farm.

“We are so grateful to the employees of SHPI who ran in the Long Beach Marathon in support of Long Beach Local.  One of our main goals is to provide healthy, fresh, local and organically grown fruits and vegetables direct to the community, these funds will allow us to order seeds and materials to plant now for many harvests to come. The timing could not have been more perfect.”