Third annual Run for Miles raises money for parks and trails in Rancho Palos Verdes City

Rancho Palos Verdes City held its third annual Run for Miles on Jan. 31, 2026, a community fundraiser and memorial run honoring the late Miles Helm that featured a 10K, a 5K and a family run and raised tens of thousands of dollars for city parks and trails.

"We’ve donated about 50k so far to the city for the parks and trails," said the event organizer, who described Helm as an avid endurance athlete and said last year’s proceeds went to a landslide relief fund. Organizers credited sponsors and city support with helping the event nearly double in size from past years and said they hope to add a half marathon next year with the city’s approval.

Host Liz Brown Swanson opened the event coverage as runners lined up for the 10K and highlighted the family-friendly course, which organizers described as starting on Pey Drive, following PV Drive and circling back near Hawthorne to the finish. Runners and organizers praised the coastal scenery and challenging hills along the route.

Mayor Paul Sale completed the 5K and said he finished in "about 30 some odd minutes," calling the turnout "amazing" and the course "absolutely gorgeous" despite the hills. Ara Moran, identified in the broadcast as city manager, ran the 10K and reminded the audience the race had been postponed from Nov. 15 after heavy rain; she thanked participants, sponsors and volunteers for supporting the fundraising drive.

Emily Rhodin of the recreation and parks department said the event’s location at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center offered extra attractions for attendees, including whale watching during the gray whale season and museum exhibits that drew visitors from outside the city. City staff ran as "Team RPV," and members of the community from teenagers to octogenarian competitors took part.

One of the 10K winners, identified only by her first name, Paige, said the ocean views helped distract from the physical challenge of the course. Brandy, who the broadcast identified as heading the city’s community development office, said it was her first time participating and called the day "so great."

Organizers and city officials described the day as a successful community fundraiser and a tribute to Miles Helm’s love of running. The event’s organizers said proceeds support parks and trails maintenance and other local needs; the same organizers said they donated approximately $50,000 to the city to date. With that support and continued sponsorship, they plan to seek city approval to expand to a half marathon in the coming year.

The broadcast closed with the host thanking participants and organizers and reiterating the event’s community focus: "We are RPV together."