On Saturday, April 5, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson joined hundreds of community members, families, and athletes for the inaugural Crenshaw Mile, a one-mile run and wellness event along a historic stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard.
The race began at Crenshaw and Slauson avenues and concluded at Vernon Avenue, ending with a Finishers Village celebration in Leimert Park Plaza. Promoted as a celebration of wellness, equity, and community pride, the Crenshaw Mile welcomed participants of all ages and experience levels to walk, jog, run, or race.
“A mile is more than 5,280 feet—and the Crenshaw Mile is more than a road race,” said the organizers. “It’s a celebration of community and culture where every pace has a space.”
In partnership with USA Track & Field (USATF), the Crenshaw Mile is one of the first sanctioned qualifying events for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, giving it a dual identity as both a community celebration and a pipeline for emerging talent.
Many participants represented local organizations, including the Crenshaw Family YMCA, Keep It Run Hundred, and Capri Collective. Some runners used the race as part of their ongoing marathon training, while others came out to support local health and cultural initiatives.
Even participants recovering from injuries were determined to cross the finish line. “We’re not 100% right now,” said Haas Sullivan, a local runner with Capri Collective. “But we’re going to give it our best. Hopefully we’ve got a sub-five in us today.”
Tre Wiggs, aiming to clock a sub-5:30 mile, viewed the event as both personal challenge and community connection. “I got a lot of people I know running today,” he said. “I just want to support everybody—and maybe qualify for something.” A marathon rookie, Wiggs is currently preparing for upcoming races in Mexico City and Sacramento.
For Brandon Young, the event marked a family tradition with added meaning. Joined by his sons Baldwin and Brandon Jr., he said, “This is our time to spend quality time together. We try to do it every weekend. They’re 4 and 7—there’s a lot of energy here.”
Dominique Bellamy, 33, a seasoned marathoner with six years of training, said he was “aiming for around five minutes” as he stretched at the starting line.
Lawana and Melanie, members of Keep It Run Hundred and Recovery Run, said they were glad to participate in an event that supports the ongoing Destination Crenshaw project—a $100 million initiative focused on revitalizing Crenshaw Boulevard through culture, art, and community infrastructure.
“I know this is part of Destination Crenshaw—the restructuring of the park and the community space,” said Melanie. “I just wanted to be part of it.”
Additional community runs and wellness initiatives are expected in the coming months as organizers build momentum toward the 2028 Olympics. The success of the Crenshaw Mile has set the stage for future events that merge athleticism, civic pride, and cultural legacy in South Los Angeles.
