Monrovia : Runner, 11, Gets Civic Boost

Eleven-year-old Neil Elam, a star runner from Duarte, received $1,200 Tuesday from Monrovia police, firefighters and city employees to compete in four national track meets.

Neil will use the money to buy running shoes and uniforms as a member of the West Coast Express Track Club, a team of low-income youths from South-Central Los Angeles, east Pomona and the San Gabriel Valley.

Neil competes in the 3,000-meter run and is ranked third in the nation in his age division.