I am running for LA2DC because I am a proud Armenian

“I am running because I am proud to be seen and heard and acknowledged through the march to DC recognizing the Armenian Genocide.”

Telma Ghazarian Altoonis an Armenian, born in Iran. She was raised in Glendale, CA and now lives in Porter Ranch. She is married, with two children and turns 40 next month.

“I have been running and competing since I was a child. I got on the High School varsity team in 9th grade and competed all through High School in Track and Cross Country at Glendale High School. I also competed in Track and Cross Country at USC. Now I am an ultra-marathoner and compete in self-sustaining multi-stage races as well as long endurance races. I am currently preparing for the Santa Barbara 100 Mile Endurance Run in July.”

This picture above is from the Grand To Grand Ultra-marathon. It is a self-supported international race of 170 miles in the Grand Canyon, stretching from Arizona to Utah. Altoon placed 15th in women, 4th in her age group, and the first Armenian competitor in that race.

“I am running because it’s the least I can do as an Armenian to push the US government to accept the deaths of the Armenians at the hands of Turkey as Genocide.”