Rodriguez (center) rounds a turn across from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. (Photo courtesy LA Marathon)

Mammoth local Tomas Rodriguez ended his 30-year retirement from long-distance running, blasting back onto the track scene by running the 2010 Los Angeles Marathon on March 21. Rodriguez ran as part of a fundraiser to benefit the MHS Boosters running support programs, raising more than $8,000 in pledges.

He finished the race in 3 hours, 8 minutes and 59 seconds, 36 seconds below the Boston Marathon qualifying standard. Rodriguez was 3rd in the 55-59 age group, and 217th overall out of 21,532 finishers.

Rodriguez, who ran a whopping 26 marathons “back in the day,” trained with High Sierra Striders co-founder Andrew Kastor for 17 months prior to lacing up for the LA Marathon. Support crew for the race included his wife, Lee Rodriguez, friend Rigo Chavez, and “fans” Audrey and Elliott.

His goal for next year: break 3 hours and raise $15,000.