On one Sunday a year, the Los Angeles marathon shut down entire neighborhoods throughout South Los Angeles one. The marathon, conducted through its twenty year history in a continuous loop, closed off entrances into and out of various communities. This was particularly problematic for congregations, whose members oftentimes couldn't participate in worship services on the day of the marathon - getting to church, even if it was only a few blocks away, was nearly impossible if the sanctuary doors were on the other side of the marathon's route. Churches struggled to manage the slip in contributions the marathon brought, and for one week out of the year, congregants went without the community and fellowship Sunday services brought.

In early 2005, One LA - IAF leaders began to discuss the importance of protecting the sacredness of the Sabbath, and ensuring that people were not prevented from worshipping. Numerous congregations became involved in the effort to change the day or the route of the marathon, and pastors and congregants began meeting with the Mayor's staff to discuss possible changes. After meetings with Divine Racing, the owner of the marathon, as well as city and county officials, One LA leaders won a change in the route. Instead of a continuous loop that closed off communities, starting in 2007 the race would be held from point to point, starting in the Valley and ending in South Los Angeles. City officials agreed to revisit the day of the race when the current Divine Racing contract expired. For press on One LA's work to protect the right to worship for all Los Angeles families, click here.