Memorial 5K to Honor BHHS Drunk Driving Victim Sunday

A memorial 5K run/walk is taking place Sunday, Dec. 2, in honor of Beverly Hills High School student Vahagn Setian, who was killed in a 2006 car crash. The driver of the car in which Vahagn was riding, actor Lane Garrison, later pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and two other alcohol-related charges.

The annual 5K run/walk is now in its second year. It is organized by the nonprofit Vahagn Setian Charitable Foundation, along with help from Beverly Hills police and firefighters. This year the event is taking place on the sixth anniversary of Vahagn’s death.

“From the day of its creation, [the Vahagn Setian Charitable Foundation] has been involved with educating our youth of the consequences of their actions, and encouraging them to make wise and healthy decisions,” said Vahagn's father Karén Setian, the foundation's chairman.

The gathering place before and after the walk, as well as the check-in booth, is at the “boat court” below the Beverly Hills Police Department in Civic Center Plaza. Participation is free of charge. Donations are welcome.

At 8:30 a.m., members of the BHPD Baker to Vegas relay team will inaugurate the course. The run/walk circuit starts at Rexford Drive and Park Way, heads east on Park Way to Oakhurst Drive, north on Oakhurst to Cynthia Street, continues on Cynthia to Sunset Boulevard, turns west on Sunset to Alpine Drive and south on Alpine back to Park Way. The last runners will be allowed to start the course no later than 10:30 a.m.

The first three participants to cross the finish line will each receive a watch worth $750 donated by Leon's Fine Jewelry of Beverly Hills.

For more information, contact Karén Setian at ksetian@VahagnFoundation.org. Additional information is also available on the foundation's website.

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