LAPD sergeant helps teenage boy finish the marathon after he collapsed before the finish line

The Los Angeles Marathon is a yearly event that witnesses a footfall of thousands of participants. No matter how old or young they are, every enthusiastic runner is allowed to participate. In 2024, the LA Marathon proved to be extra special and inspiring for many participants as they witnessed the determination of a 15-year-old boy who wanted to finish the race at any cost. According to NBC4, the marathon recorded over 20,000 participants this year and amongst them was an eighth grader named Leobardo Dorado.

Having completed 26 miles of the 26.2-mile race, Dorado collapsed from exhaustion merely 400 meters shy of the finish line. Jay Balgemino, a compassionate LAPD sergeant, was on duty near the finishing line when he noticed Dorado collapsing. “We requested an ambulance and there was a medic that responded right away,” Balgemino told the outlet. “Then we looked at the bib number and there was contact info on the back, so we called the mom who was waiting for him at the finish line.” Dorado received treatment from the paramedics but the youngster had an important question on his mind. He asked around whether he had finished the race or not.

“So, the mom looked at me and I said, ‘Well, you really didn’t finish but if you want to finish, I can help him.' He said, ‘I want to finish,'” Balgemino recalled. Then Dorado placed an arm over his sister's shoulder and another arm over Balgemino's as they carried him to the finish line. “I’m really proud of that boy and if I could talk to that boy, I would say, ‘You are outstanding. You inspired me. Maybe I’ll run the marathon because of you,'” Balgemino mentioned. Dorado was approached for an interview with NBC4 which he declined because according to his family "he is a boy of few words." However, his mom spoke with the outlet.

“We are very proud of Leobardo Dorado. It’s his second marathon, and we are very appreciative of the people who helped him,” Dorado's mother, Rosio Berumen said. The officials behind the Los Angeles Marathon were impressed by Dorado's determination to finish the race as well. “It’s a great story and a reminder for anyone that if you really want it, you can do this. Anyone can finish a marathon. You just have to have that heart and the willingness to get there,” LA Marathon’s senior director of operations Stacy Embretson said. “He still had 400 meters to go, but just that willingness and that strength that he had to find deep within himself was amazing and very inspiring."

Balgemino expressed happiness at aiding Dorado, relieved that the story wasn't about a boy who gave up. “All the kudos goes to the kid,” Balgemino told the news outlet. “The kid did the work. He ran the marathon on his own. I just helped push him in the end to get him to the finish line.” According to Bleacher Report, Kenya dominated the Los Angeles Marathon where Dominic Ngeno won the men's race by beating Cosmas Kiplimo by five seconds. Whereas Kenya's Stacy Ndiwa won the women's race by defeating Volha Mazuronak by 20 seconds. It was her second straight win at the Los Angeles Marathon.