Culver City resident wins 10th Annual Screenland 5K

The 10th Annual Screenland 5K was fittingly won by a competitor from the Heart of Screenland.

Culver City resident Scott Rodilitz was the fastest finisher of 2,445 runners with a clocked time in the 3.1-mile race through the heart of Downtown Culver City on Sunday, March 1. Runners started and finished at Ivy Station in Downtown Culver City, where Rodilitz crossed the finish line with 16:10 showing on the race clock. He was closely trailed by Silver Medalist Kwan Lueng of Alhambra and Bronze Medalist Oscar Orozco from Stevenson Ranch, who finished within seconds of each other with final times of 16:22 and 16:24.

The women’s side of the race was also won by a hometown face, as Culver City’s Johanna Williams was the fastest finisher among female racers with a time of 18:35. Santa Monica’s Ingrid Walters finished second among female runners just behind Williams with a 18:43 time, and Carole Gong from South Pasadena was the third fastest among women, finishing the race in 19:52.

On top of giving more than 3,200 registrants across 17 states a venue to compete and enjoy a warm Sunday morning, the Screenland 5K also serves as a venue to appreciate the deep cinematic history of Culver City. Screenland 5K Creative Director Lori Escalera and film historian Chris Bungo arranged 100 markers along the course to showcase the “Vintage, Velvet & Valor” of motion pictures in Culver City.

An expo of local businesses and organizations was also held at the Ivy Station alongside the race. Performers were placed throughout the course for runners to enjoy, including multiple groups from the Culver City Unified School District. Several shorter “Munchkin Dash” races were held for the younger participants in the Screenland 5K, and a costume contest before the event was won by Culver City resident David Winslow in a Wizard of Oz-themed tornado costume.

As he has in years past, Mike Cohen — colloquially known by many of his neighbors as “Mr. Culver City” — was the driving force behind the event and served as its MC. Dressed as Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, Cohen gave interviews at the awards ceremony held at the race’s conclusion, where runners like Rodilitz were given the opportunity to share their thoughts on the race and their fellow competitors.

“I am glad there was competition today,” second-place finisher Lueng said. “Without [Rodilitz and Orozco], I don’t think I would have run the time that I did.”

Several Culver City politicians also ran in the race, including Mayor Freddy Puza, who wore a Freddie Mercury costume Sunday morning. Puza also served as the Grand Marshal of the race and gave the countdown to officially start.

For full results of the Screenland 5K, click here. Notable results can be found below: