About Us
The Screenland 5K aims to foster community spirit through safe, healthful, and enjoyable activities, provide extraordinary guest experiences, and celebrate the heritage and diversity of the Heart of Screenland. The Screenland 5K committee strives to organize events that engage the community, strengthen bonds, encourage team spirit, and promote voluntarism and civic pride.
Goals
1. To acknowledge the events that have shaped Culver City's century-plus legacy, focusing on its contributions to motion pictures and athletics.
- Commemorate the centenaries of local film history, studios, landmarks, notable figures, and other historical gems of the "Heart of Screenland."
- Offer guests the chance to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood's legendary stars; visit the sites where the most famous films were made; traverse over 100 scenes of Culver City's cinematic history, including both historical and current studios.
- Highlight Culver City's trailblazing involvement in the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games; its initiation of the Western Hemisphere Marathon, and its history as the western headquarters for the Special Olympics.
2. To promote Culver City as a premier destination, fostering collaboration between public and private entities, and delivering an outstanding guest experience.
- Showcase community assets, provide exceptional guest experiences, and offer activities and venues that attract various audiences.
- Engage city agencies, clubs, schools, neighborhoods, and other interest groups to support the annual Screenland 5K event.
- Raise funds through collaborative efforts, creating partnerships with sponsors for cash and in-kind contributions, and leveraging volunteer support to reduce manpower costs.
- Minimize the event's environmental impact by producing a sustainable event in cooperation with Culver City Environmental Services and other agencies.
3. To promote fitness and recreation in Culver City by offering an affordable, enjoyable, and secure experience.
- Organize recreational activities that cater to various abilities and demographics, showcase Culver City's dedication to physical and mental well-being;
- Ensure a gratifying experience for sponsors;
- Offer developmental experiences and leadership roles for volunteers; create lasting legacies and boost civic participation;
- Acknowledge local luminaries in the arts and sports; pay tribute to The Western Hemisphere Marathon and its founder, Syd Kronenthal (1923-2015); and recognize the marathon exchange between Culver City Sister City Committee and Kaizuka, Japan.
Cast & Crew
GRAND MARSHAL
Vice Mayor Dan O'Brien, 2024 Screenland 5K age-division champion
PRODUCERS
Mike Cohen: Founder
Lori Escalera: Creative Director
CAST MEMBERS
Jack Bommarito: Logistics
Susana Fottarini: Artists
Dora Corral: Donations
Monica Bell: Schools
Ed Dorio: Running Clubs
John J. Flynn: Running Clubs
Tom Fritzius and Steven Heyl: Cross Country team
Jane Leonard: Performing Arts
Steve Newton: Vintage Cop Car
Carmela Raack, Heather Witt, Keith Jones: Rotary Club
Craig Schoenbaum: Performing Arts, Training Sessions
Jim Shanman: Attractions
Man Trang: Treasurer
David Winslow: Training Sessions
Dave Dettore: Costume Contest, Attractions
Marni Kinrys: Course activities, sponsors
Sandra Onazaki: Sister City Committee
Leslie Gardner: Performing Arts
Megan Oddsen: PTA Schools Engagement
Robert Noriega - Photographer. Graphic design.
Meta Valentic, Jonathan Lonner: Scouts
Karim Sahli: Graphic design.
Adrienne Madrid: School Volunteers
Heather Moses, Tony Spano: CCUSD Academy of Visual and Performing Arts
AGENCIES
Community-Economic Development: Elaine Warner, Elizabeth Garcia
Special Events Manager, Economic Development: Edgar Varela
Fire Dept: Chief Kenneth Powell
Police Dept: Chief Jason Sims
Public Works: Yanni Demitri, Gary Wansley, Sean Singletary
City Council: Goran Erikkson , Freddy Puza, V. Mayor Dan O'Brien Mayor Yasmine Imani-McMorrin, Albert Vera
CCUSD Superintendent: Dr. Brian Lucas
CCUSD Board of Education: Stephanie Loredo, Brian Guerrero, Paula Amezola, Kelly Kent-Marin, Triston Ezidore
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Race Director: Gavin McKiernan, Mercury Events
Course Director: Rufus Fuller
Social Media: Kate Olson
Sponsors, Partners: Chris Shrewsbury
Pacific Race Timing: Ron Kurrle, Bryan Quan
Logistics, staging, registration: Ron Gee
Medical: Steve Jackson
Legal Name: SCREENLAND 5K, Inc. 501(c)(3) EIN: 81-2571668