LOS ANGELES — In the heart of South Central Los Angeles, you can find a group of community members running through the streets every other Thursday. It’s an unusual sight in the area often labeled as dangerous, but is also the reason the run club came to be.

Looking to change their community, co-founder Zaakiyah Brisker and Jazmin Garcia both started run clubs on their own.

Eventually, they found each other and came together to create the South Central LA run club. The club is now thriving and preparing to run its first ever LA marathon next year.

The members know the goal is to promote a healthier lifestyle and address the lack of nutritious food available. It’s an important mission given the area is made up of Latino and African American communities who are disproportionately affected by heart disease, diabetes and other serious health issues. 

As the club continues to grow, it serves as an example of the power in the community to drive positive changes. 

The club is open to all, and they meet every other Thursday and Saturday at various historical spots around South Central.