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About Us

The Screenland 5K aims to foster community spirit through healthful and enjoyable activities, providing extraordinary guest experiences, and celebrating the heritage and diversity of the Heart of Screenland. Its committee organizes 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 and visit scenes where iconic films were made.
  • 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 that attract many audiences.
  • Engage city agencies, clubs, schools, neighborhoods, and other interest groups to support the annual 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.

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;
  • Offer developmental experiences and leadership roles for volunteers; create lasting legacies and boost civic participation;
  • Acknowledge local luminaries in the arts and sports and pay tribute to The Western Hemisphere Marathon and its founder, Syd Kronenthal (1923-2015).

Cast & Crew

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Grand Marshal 

Vice Mayor Dan O'Brien, 2024 Screenland 5K age-division champion, as seen in photo.

Cast Members
Mike Cohen: Founder
Lori Escalera: Creative Director
Jack Bommarito: Logistics
Susana Fottarini: Artists
Tami Fitzkoff: Course Activities
Dora Corral: Donations
Monica Bell: Schools
Ed Dorio: Running Clubs
Freddy Puza: Sponsors
Jane Leonard: Performing Arts
Steve Newton: Vintage Cop Car
Carmela Raack, Heather Witt, Keith Jones: Rotary Club
Craig Schoenbaum: Course Design, Training
Jim Shanman: Cycle Race, Munchkin Dash
Man Trang:  Treasurer
David Winslow: Costume Ideas, Training Sessions
Dave Dettore: Costume Contest
Marni Kinrys: Course activities, sponsors
Sandra Onazaki: Sister City Committee
Leslie Gardner: Opening Act, Finish Line Artists
Megan Oddsen: PTA Schools Engagement
Robert Noriega - Photographer. Graphic design.
Meta Valentic & Jonathan Lonner: Scouts
Adrienne Madrid: School Volunteers
Heather Moses, Tony Spano: CCHS Academy of Visual and Performing Arts
Denise Yogi: Course Activities

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: Bubba Fish, Freddy Puza, Dan O'Brien, Yasmine Imani-McMorrin, Albert Vera
CCUSD Superintendent: Dr. Brian Lucas
CCUSD Board of Education: Stephanie Loredo, Brian Guerrero, Andrew Lachman, Lindsay Carlson, Triston Ezidore

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

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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

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