This story was produced under The LA Local’s Youth Journalism Program. To learn more or to get involved, click here.
Many of those attending Keep It Run Hundred, a bi-weekly run club based in Inglewood, might not consider themselves runners.
Some come straight from work, some are encouraged by friends and family, while others simply decide to try something new after seeing the growing crowds in Culver City and Inglewood.
For founder Alrick “Butta” Augustine, that openness is exactly what Keep It Run Hundred was built on. What started as a small group of eight people running in 2016 has grown into about 150-200 runners and walkers participating daily across LA, according to Augustine.
Augustine said Keep It Run Hundred’s growth reflects something bigger than just people wanting to exercise. In Inglewood, a predominantly Black and Latino community, access to affordable fitness spaces, healthy food and healthcare resources can be limited. According to a Los Angeles County health survey, Black residents experience higher rates of hypertension, obesity, asthma and diabetes, while Latino residents face higher rates of diabetes, food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
Augustine said he wanted Keep It Run Hundred to become a space where people feel empowered to take care and control of their health.
Runners and walkers begin gathering around 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights in Culver City and Thursday nights in Inglewood, filling the streets with community and movement as the sun sets. It’s a group that includes all levels of runners.
The Keep It Run Hundred origin story
Augustine didn’t grow up as a runner. In fact, running only became a part of his life after having his daughter in 2014.
“I lost track of activity and ended up gaining a lot of weight,” he said. “One mile turned into two, and two miles turned into four.”
When Augustine began sharing his fitness journey online, a friend suggested he run in the Los Angeles Marathon. At first, Augustine thought the idea was unachievable for him.
“I told him he was out of his mind. I could never run 26.2 miles,” he said. But after months of training, Augustine completed the marathon.
“The day I ran it, I fell in love with running,” he said. “Everyone should feel this way.”
About three weeks after finishing the marathon, Augustine posted a simple message on social media: “If I start a run club, would you come?”
Only eight people showed up to the first few runs, and what started as a small 3 -mile run with friends and family has grown into a community. Augustine said his run club was created to make fitness feel more accessible for Black and brown communities.
“It’s not about pace. It’s just showing up for yourself,” he said. “Everyone is welcome.”
The club’s mission extends beyond its weekly runs. In February, Keep It Run Hundred hosted “Heart of the City 5k,” a running event centered around heart health during American Heart Month. The event highlighted an issue that affects Black communities at higher rates. Their Juneteenth Celebration, powered by Nike and held on Crenshaw Boulevard, was open to all ages and included a 3-mile run and a 2-mile walk option.
Members describe Keep It Run Hundred as a village and family
For many members, Keep It Run Hundred is more than just a place to exercise, but it is where they find community.
Yvette Oden said she didn’t think she could complete the runs when she first joined.
“My daughter asked me to come out to walk or run 3 miles. I didn’t think I could do it,” Oden said. “But after I came out the first time I enjoyed myself. I loved it.”
Now, she says she’s more involved in her health and wellness and continues showing up each week.
Rachel Richardson, who moved to LA from Ohio, said she was searching for a sense of belonging when she first arrived.
“I was really looking for a community, especially Black and brown community here in LA, and I found it in this run club,” Richardson said. “A whole bunch of relationships, connections, and just people that I could call family that I’ve met through this run club, and that has impacted my life so much and how I feel about LA in general.”
For younger members like Amber Leake, the impact goes beyond fitness. “I just ran 3 miles for the first time since high school,” Leake said. “It influences us to want to be a part of the community. It inspires people to want to do more.”
For many members, the impact goes beyond physical fitness. Showing up each week also supports mental health, especially for those who feel isolated or without community. Members describe Keep It Run Hundred as a village, a family and a network where people feel seen, supported and encouraged to keep going.
Leake also emphasized how rare it can be to find spaces that feel welcoming.
“It’s not too many spaces where you can find real, raw, authentic people and energy that makes you feel welcome,” she said.
