On Jan. 4, 2026, more than 3,000 people of all ages attended the Altadena Forever Run 5K/10K. In a trial of athleticism and endurance, runners went along through Altadena neighborhoods, passing burned homes and businesses that show a far greater pain. Marshall senior Nate Nicoletti won the five-kilometer race.

A handful of Thurgood Marshall’s cross country team members attended, including Nicoletti and head coach Jessica Maker-Bilandzija, better known as Mrs. B or Coach B. Bilandzija described the run as “bittersweet,” seeing neighbors and familiar faces, but also running through some of the most devastating areas of Altadena’s burn zone. 

Nicoletti came in first for the 5K race with a time of sixteen minutes and thirty-five seconds. But the Altadena Forever Run was much more than just a race for many. 

“I wasn’t really going for a fast run; my goal was to absorb the moment with my community,” said Mrs. Bilandzija, when asked about her race time. “The Altadena run was really beautiful because it felt like home with everyone outside. We were talking with friends while we were running.”

The Altadena Forever Run also helped raise money for the continuous efforts to support recovery from the devastating disaster. The run solidified the spirit of Altadena, symbolizing that there don;t need to be homes and shops for the community of Altadena to stay together and more unified than ever.

“There was a lot of pain running past empty lots, but also a lot of hope to see everyone come together,” said Mrs. Bilandzija.