Laura Yin pulled off an incredible feat to support the national parks of the Bay Area

Twelve half-marathons in 12 months through the parks is nothing short of impressive. Laura Yin turned her personal goal into a fundraiser, raising $4,800 for the Parks Conservancy along her “12in12” journey. We were able to talk with Laura about what inspired her to run and support the parks.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR 12IN12 GOAL?

I started running so many half marathons because I had a running crew with two people that I was quarantining with. After my seventh half marathon I determined I might as well do 12. I didn’t just want to make it a personal thing, I wanted to drive impact in the community.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DONATE TO THE PARKS CONSERVANCY?

Especially during COVID, your organization’s work was so crucial to the city’s entire physical and mental wellbeing. It wasn’t even a question that it would be your organization because all the parks that I was running through are parks that you protect.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHERS DOING SOMETHING LIKE THIS?

If I could do something I always thought I dreaded, that I never identified with, and do it every single day, I feel like I can conquer anything. That’s why I’m so passionate about climate change. If we have ambitions and goals that seem far off, but take it day by day, we’ll be surprised by how far we can go.

WHAT WAS YOUR ROUTE FOR YOUR 12TH HALF MARATHON?

I ran from Oracle Park, up the Embarcadero, through Pier 39, to Crissy Field, to right underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, which is halfway. Then I turned around and did it all over again. And I love that because there’s no elevation and because I get to see so much of the city and be next to the water.

WHAT DID ALL THE SUPPORT FOR YOUR GOAL MEAN TO YOU?

Everyone exceeded my wildest dreams. My initial goal was $1,310 for 13.1 miles. We completely blew past that within the first two days of launching the fundraiser. Friends from everywhere across the world supported. I think this was a cause worth fighting for, that people truly want to protect the planet.

Want to support the parks like Laura? Become a member or donate today. Thank you for all you do for parks!