Mario Lara served as President of the New Orleans Track Club for three years, but for fifteen years before and after that he has been a familiar face and devoted volunteer for the NOTC. Mario began running in 1983, and his wife Rose volunteered at the races he ran. It wasn't too long before Mario was volunteering as well, usually working water stops and race splits. He took over administration of the finish line, and did that until computerized scoring.

Mario had a goal of uniting the running community, and to do this he became a regular volunteer at Southern Runner Race events. He appeared on the Spanish Radio Sports Show to promote the Mardi Gras Marathon and the NOTC. For the last 37 years, Mario has given his time to the promotion and growth of the NOTC, and has done community outreach to help the club stay vibrant and vital.