Our 2026 LA Marathon training season officially kicked off on Saturday, September 13! Over the next few weeks, we will continue to introduce our awesome LA Marathon Pace Leaders as well as our Marathon Coach. Find out why they run and some fun facts that could spark a conversation during your next group run! This week, we meet Maria and DJ, our Pace Leaders for our 9:30 Minute Pace Group!
Name: Maria Lat
Which group do you run with? 9:30 min marathon pace group
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? 2 years
How many marathons have you run? 1 (2025 LA Marathon)
Why do you run? I run because it grounds me, challenges me, and brings out the strongest version of myself. Running keeps me balanced physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Favorite post run snack/meal? Loco Moco from Lucky Catsu (vegan Hawaiian-Asian fusion)
Running Mantra: One foot in front of the other
Occupation: PreSales Solutions Engineering
Hometown: St. Charles, IL
What do you do for fun? Run, travel, cook and sing
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): I can find the key or first note to most songs without hearing the song!
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? You can do anything you put your mind to. The Pasadena Pacers is a supportive group to help you achieve your running goals!
Name: Daniel John “DJ” Melgar
Which group do you run with? Pacers Team 10 and ORC!
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? Almost 9 yrs.
How many marathons have you run? 5 full marathons.
Why do you run? It makes me feel alive.
Favorite post run snack/meal? Anything delicious!
Running Mantra: Run like lightning & crash like thunder.
Occupation: Self-Employed
Hometown: SGV Baby!
What do you do for fun? Hang with my son, toys, video games…being a big kid.
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): I can comfortably flip my eye lids!
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? Running only gets harder when you stop, never stop training unless you’re resting.