Pasadena officer runs toward world record in half marathon

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Sunday was a beautiful day for runners taking part in the 2nd annual Pasadena Half Marathon, and among them was a Pasadena police officer on a mission to set a world record.

Thousands of runners took off from the Rose Bowl, but one runner in particular stood out.

Pasadena Police Department Officer Donald Sevesind is running toward a Guinness world record for the youngest full-time police officer to complete 100 full marathons and 100 half marathons. So far, he has completed 123 halfs and 99 fulls.

The Pasadena race is his first race fully dressed in his police uniform.

"I'm thinking in the back of my head, 'This is for a great cause' - that's what I'm thinking, that's my motivation," he said.

Today, he's raising money for the Pasadena Police Activities League program and California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation. He said it's the perfect way to do something good while doing what he loves.

"It's very dear and special to my heart. I've been running since I was 6. Running is in my blood, it's a way of life for me, it keeps me in great shape, and i just love it," Sevesind added.

Organizers said at least 10,000 runners participated in Sunday's marathon, which is double the number from the inaugural race last year.

"It really is just a celebration about being active, healthy and fit, and what better time than in the beginning of the year when a lot of people create their new year's resolutions?" said Conqur Endurance Group CEO Tracey Russell.

The race raises money for the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House.