Skid Row Running Club: Finding Friendship, Community, and Transformation Through Running
In the heart of Los Angeles, where the streets of Skid Row teem with stories of struggle, the Skid Row Running Club stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Founded in 2012 by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell, this running club is about far more than the miles logged; it’s about mentorship, friendship, and overcoming addiction.
A Route Through Life
Every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, runners gather in the early morning hours, ready to embark on a five-mile journey. The route is a mix of grit and beauty, taking them across the 6th Street Bridge, through Hollenbeck Park in Boyle Heights, and back via the 1st Street Bridge. This path not only offers a physical challenge but also symbolizes the journey from hardship to hope.
Building Bonds and Health
For many in the group, running is a new chapter in their lives. These runners, who have often experienced the harsh realities of street life, find in the club a supportive community. The bonds formed here are crucial for their focus on health and personal growth.
“Every one of these people, at some point, their life had spiraled out of control, and they are now productive members of our community,” said Judge Mitchell.
Transformative Stories
Rebecca Hayes is a testament to the life-changing power of the Skid Row Running Club. Once living on the streets, Hayes found a new path through the Midnight Mission and the running club. Today, she is a nurse, thriving and helping others.
“They built me up and they saw bigger things for my life that I couldn’t see at the time,” Hayes shared. “I just had never been athletic; my addiction had just got in the way of everything.”
Goals and Achievements
The club emphasizes goal setting, constantly training for and participating in marathons around the world. Their efforts and successes are captured in the documentary film “Skid Row Marathon,” which showcases the resilience and determination of the members.
Judge Mitchell highlights the broader impact of the program: “The program and Midnight Mission have helped thousands of people get jobs, secure housing, and stay sober.”
The Power of Community
Beyond the physical benefits of running, the club provides an essential dose of love and community, three times a week. “There is no substitute for feeling loved by other people, and that’s what they get a dose of,” Mitchell said.
Final Thoughts
In a place where finding community can be incredibly challenging, the Skid Row Running Club offers a sanctuary of support, health, and transformation. As part of our series on social isolation and the search for community in California, the club exemplifies how a simple act like running can foster deep, life-changing connections. The Skid Row Running Club is not just about running; it’s about rebuilding lives and creating a community where everyone is uplifted.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/K6_tBbh-2kI?si=A0RDZOVACG0C1sr6
- https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/skid-row-running-club-gets-members-fit-focused-on-health-and-bonded/
- https://www.kqed.org/news/11973840/running-club-provides-sense-of-community-in-las-skid-row
- https://www.huckmag.com/article/skid-row-judge-marathon-man
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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