Palisades Fire survivor to run LA Marathon as part of recovery journey

Karen Sternheimer lost her home during the devastating wildfire and is now training for her first marathon.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Karen Sternheimer, who lost her home in the Palisades Fire, is preparing to run in the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon as part of her healing journey. Sternheimer and her husband's house was burned down in the wildfire, and since then, she has been living near Griffith Park and training for her first marathon. The training has allowed her to take her mind off the rebuilding process, and her goal for this year's marathon is to complete the race, bringing her one step closer to returning to the Palisades.

Why it matters

The Palisades Fire was a devastating event that destroyed many homes in the area. Sternheimer's story highlights how individuals can find ways to cope and move forward after such a traumatic experience, using physical activity and goal-setting as part of their recovery process.

The details

Since Karen Sternheimer and her husband's house was burned down in the Palisades Fire, Sternheimer said she began preparing for her first marathon. She was out of town when the fire broke out, but her husband was home and sent her a video of it. He managed to get out safely but returned the next day to find their home destroyed. Sternheimer has been living near Griffith Park, where she's been racking up miles to get ready for the race. She had lived in the Palisades since the 1980s and would run there. The training has allowed her to take her mind off the rebuilding process.

  • The Palisades Fire broke out while Sternheimer was out of town.
  • Sternheimer's husband sent her a video of the fire as it was happening.
  • Sternheimer has been training for the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, which will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Karen Sternheimer

A Palisades Fire survivor who lost her home and is now training for her first marathon as part of her recovery journey.

Sternheimer's husband

Sternheimer's husband was home when the Palisades Fire broke out and sent her a video of the fire as it was happening.

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What they’re saying

“On marathon day last year, I had a big case of FOMO. I felt like I should be there, so I decided to sign up.”

— Karen Sternheimer (nbclosangeles.com)

“The closest thing I can describe is being shell-shocked for a few months and figuring out, 'Okay, now what?'”

— Karen Sternheimer (nbclosangeles.com)

“That's how I've dealt with the whole fire situation – one step at a time. Trying to enjoy those steps, I know that sounds crazy, but that's what I've tried to do.”

— Karen Sternheimer (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2026, where Sternheimer will run as part of her recovery journey.

The takeaway

Sternheimer's story demonstrates how individuals can find meaningful ways to cope and move forward after a traumatic event like the Palisades Fire, using physical activity and goal-setting as part of their healing process. Her determination to complete the LA Marathon is an inspiring example of resilience in the face of adversity.