ATTRACTIONS
COURSE DAZZLES WITH ARTISTRY
Visual and performing artists will regale Screenland 5K guests with music, artwork, and acts that pay homage to a century of cinematic glitz, glamour, glory, and gold.
“The entertainment industry began here, not in Hollywood. It’s a great opportunity for Culver City to showcase its talent,” said Martin Bennett of “Sonny B and US 99”, who will perform cinematic tunes along the route.
"Prepare to be inspired and engulfed in this magnificent artistic celebration, marking significant film contributions to our cultural tapestry. Your morning of health and fitness will be a kaleidoscope of color, sound, sights, learning, camaraderie, and enjoyment," said Lori Escalera, Screenland 5K's Creative Director.
Leemon McHenry and Cerves McNeill of Algorithm & Blues will perform "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "What a Wonderful World" along with tunes from MGM's golden age.
Mike Monagan, his wife, Geli, Culver City High School alumnus Kenji Haroutunian and other accomplished band members will showcase 100 years of cinematic glitz. "We love the many local show themes depicted in this event," said Monagan.
Performing near the scenes of their favorite films, baritone Frank Giffen and The Fallen Arches band will play "running and walking songs to make those kilometers glitz on by."
Cali Rose and the CC Strummers, senior ukulele artists, will enchant with golden film melodies at the course's western turnaround.
The Culver City High School Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Tony Spano, will serenade race finishers as they step onto the red carpet.
The El Marino Rainbow Taiko drummers will honor Asian-themed films shot along the route and Culver City's 60th annual sister city relationship with Kaizuka, Japan. Both communities conduct marathon runner exchanges around the date of the Screenland 5K.
Singer, pianist, and songwriter Ronnie Jayne, the "lady in red," will channel the likes of alluring stars Jean Harlow, Rita Hayworth, and Maureen O'Hara.
City Commissioner Jane Leonard, who last year portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West, has her glitzy and glamorous role lined up for this year's race.
Culver City Rotary Club officer Heather Witt may reprise her humorous and glamorous impersonation of Lucille Ball, or perhaps surprise attendees with another beloved Heart of Screenland character.
Zumba instructor Julie Schatz and her troupe will dance with walkers and runners, adding a touch of Culver City's cinematic glitz and glamour to their strides.
A mime, stilt walker, dancer, and the PTA Honorary Service Award All-Stars, will portray "Heart of Screenland" movie and TV legends at the Health and Fitness Expo and along the course.
Star Wars Stormtroopers will engage in a thrilling battle to defend the Heart of Screenland, while the Ghostbusters will amusingly shield participants from rogue ghouls and Stay Puft Marshmallow Men.
Bob Wayne will tribute Culver City’s madcap and diabolical Marx Brothers.
Craig Schoenbaum will offer a clogging performance as Star Trek's James Kirk near the site where the first show was filmed.
Local artists, dotting the course with their cinematic interpretations, include Screenland 5K's creative director Lori Escalera, Roslyn Wilkins, Karina Kharchenko, Serena Potter, Teresa Bernadette, Cynda Valle, Lori Antoinette, Marilyn Burns, Bradford Soloman, and Nathaniel Chadwick.
Experience musical glitz, glamour, glory and gold along your 3.1 mile journey in the Heart of Screenland, as seen in the first slide show.
Retrace the steps of fabled stars who acted along the course and nearby studio backlots, showcased in the second slide show.
Enjoy the main stage antics to kickoff the Screenland 5K, featured in the third slide show.
SLIDE SHOW--Music from the silver screen motivates Screenland 5K guests to finish on a high note:
SLIDE SHOW--Performers reenact motion picture scenes filmed on or near the course:
SLIDE SHOW--Council PTA All-Stars portray your favorite stars on the main stage:
FIREFIGHTERS PEDAL 5-ALARM BIKE
Can Culver City Firefighters pedal the department's restored five-seat bicycle down the yellow brick road to raise funds for gold, glory and charity, Sun. Mar. 2 at 9:00 a.m?
In disrepair, the bike was overhauled in 1986 by city staff. "I was afraid to touch the bike, much less repair it and ride it. It was unwieldy, impossible to ride, and it still is," said retired Culver City Building Maintenance Supervisor Steve Newton. Culver City Fire Dept. Battalion Chief Ron Kohlhepp said "we never know what it will do."
firefighters also will compete in the Celebrity Charity Cycle Chase, Sat. Mar. 1 at 2:30 p.m. and the "Jesse Luna and Mike Nagy Memorial Mile," Sun. Mar. 2 at 9:00 a.m.
Culver City Firemen (from left) are Cameron Soden, Matt McCormick, Doug Furano, Brett Nagel and Joe LaRiccia.
EXPO UNLEASHES FUN & WELLNESS
The Screenland 5K Health and Fitness Expo will take place at the Ivy Center where guests can collect their race packets and partake in attractions, treats, and character photo ops on Saturday, March 1, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and on Oscar Sunday, 7:00 am to 11:00 am. As complimentary underground parking at Ivy Station is limited, early arrival is recommended. Additionally, the venue is accessible via metro, bus, bicycle, scooter, or other transportation options.
DRESS FOR SILVER SCREEN SHOWDOWN
Race dressed as your favorite screen personality to win prizes and a loaded movie contract in the Glitz, Glamour, Glory & Gold Costume Contest, Sunday, March 2, 8:30 a.m. Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims and Councilmember Albert Vera are ready to run!
Revel in several of last year's costumed guests, featured in the first slide show below.
Enjoy the humor and creativity of costumed participants in Screenland 5Ks of yesteryear, as seen in the second slide show.
SLIDE SHOW--Race guests flaunt their screen star costumes in last year's Screenland 5K:
SLIDE SHOW--Walkers and runners pose as their favorite screen personalities in earlier Screenland 5Ks:
RACE WEEKEND at IVY STATION
8840 National Bl. Culver City, CA 90232
Sunday, March 1, 2025
Sunday, March 2, 2025
7:00 am: Health and Fitness Expo: packet pickup, attractions, sign-up (if avail.)
7:00 am: Play Streets
7:30 am: Course Crash by Walk 'n Rollers
8:30 am: Glitz, Glamour, Glory & Gold Costume Contest
9:00 am: Screenland 5K
10:00 am: Munchkin Dash
10:30 am: Awards Ceremony: overall, masters, age divisions, teams and residents
11:00 am: Expo ends. Streets reopen
SCREENLAND 5K GRAND MARSHAL DAN O'BRIEN
YOUNG STARS DASH TO GLORY & GOLD
The youngest racers will set off on an enchanting journey to the Emerald City in the Munchkin Dash, conducted by Walk 'n Rollers. Each aspiring young movie star, up to age 12, will leave as a medalist, celebrated with high fives from screen characters on the red carpet in this exciting, untimed event. The Munchkin Dash will be organized by age categories and will commence in staggered starts. The event kicks off on Sunday, March 2, at 10:00 am.
There's more fun for kids of all ages. Culver City High School Robotics Team robots will toss frisbees and zip around the Health and Fitness Expo into glory and gold. Elementary student Noah Velarde and his Yo-Yo club will spin their toys with glitz and glamour.
Delight in scenes from last year's Munchkin Dash, as highlighted in the slide show below.
SLIDE SHOW--Future movie stars crossed the finish line in last year's Munchkin Dash:
ANTIQUE POLICE CAR SETS PACE
An antique Culver City police car will lead the way in the Screenland 5K, setting the pace for as long as it can, and earning funds for the local police officers association for each block it can travel.
Retired Culver City Building Maintenance Supervisor Steve Newton, who owns and rebuilt the 1930s-era vehicle 15 years ago, said it’s a gamble. He transformed his Model A into a vintage crime fighter by using parts from his collection and a friend's police car.
"I maintain its original look by not cleaning or shining it," Newton said with a smile.
The antique police car will support Culver City Police Officers in their bid to regain the Baker to Vegas relay marathon title after winning it in 2023. "The officers can run faster and farther than my car," Newton added.
CELEBRITIES CHASE FOR DOLLARS
Cheer on local dignitaries as they follow the yellow brick road in the Celebrity Charity Cycle Chase to raise funds for their favorite nonprofits in the hilarious spectacle on Saturday, March 1, at 2:30 pm at Ivy Station. Admission is free.
View the determination of Culver City's leaders racing on vintage beach tricycles last year, as seen in the slide show below.
SLIDE SHOW--Luminaries compete in the Celebrity Charity Cycle Chase:
PLAY AROUND, THEN RUN AROUND
Celebrate 100 years of motion picture magic on Play Streets! Enjoy leisure, dining and walking tour of the course during this free attraction, Sun., Mar. 2, 7:00-8:20 am., in a car-free environment. The activity supports Culver City's efforts to “activate” public spaces for all ages, races and ethnicities.
POWER UP WITH PICKLEBALL
Play the world’s fastest growing sport at the Screenland 5K with Culver City Pickleball ambassadors Dora Corral and Matt Denoff at the Health and Fitness Expo. We'll provide paddles, balls, nets, court, fans and fun!
