One Sunday each year for 20 years, the Los Angeles Marathon shut down entire neighborhoods throughout South Los Angeles. The marathon, run throughout its history in a continuous loop, closed off the entrances to and exits from various communities.

This was particularly problematic for congregations, whose members often 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 each year, congregants went without the community and fellowship of Sunday services.

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 worshiping. Numerous congregations became involved in an effort to change the day or the route of the marathon, and pastors and congregants began meeting with the mayor's staff to discuss the possibilities.

One LA met with Divine Racing, owner of the marathon, as well as city and county officials, and won a change in the route. Instead of a continuous loop that closed off communities, starting in 2007 the race would run 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.