MEET MOVEMENT RUNNERS

Summer is well underway; the days heating up and so are the miles. With Run Malibu race weekend a mere four months away, it's nearly time to lock in a training plan, set your goals and find a friend or group for support and motivation. Join this month's crew, Movement Runners, for a classic LA workout at the Culver City Stairs. Without a doubt, training is easier (and far more fun) with friends and community. Check out our interviews with some inspiring humans - Kitwana and Ja’Veonna!

First up... Meet

MOVEMENT RUNNERS

Movement Runners started about twelve years ago in Inglewood, CA. They started running around the forum with three miles every other Sunday. They held track nights for beginners at Dorsey Track in 2016. Every other Sunday turned into every Sunday. Then Movement Runners started running in Playa Vista every Tuesday. Soon enough, they signed up for races all around. From the 5k to 10k, to Malibu Half Marathon in 2017, full marathons in 2018, followed by The Speed Project (Los Angeles to Las Vegas relay), Catalina Island 50k and more. Movement Runners has done so much in these last 10 years, and they’ve done it as a family.

Movement Runners Schedule

For most of the year, Movement Runners meets several times per week for group runs. Starting in July and extending through September, Movement Runners will shift focus towards strength programming and will meet as a group Friday mornings at 9:00 AM at the Culver City Stairs (meet at the bottom). Group runs will resume this fall - follow them here

• Follow Movement Runners here

  
  

LOCAL HERO ROUND-UP

MEET Kitwana: FOUNDER OF MOVEMENT RUNNERS

Cassidy: Why do you run?

Kit: "The main reason I run is because I know that someone who does not run will see me running. And for a quick minute, it may inspire someone else to run, too."


Cassidy: What inspired you to create Movement Runners?

Kit: "The reason I created this space is because I don't like to run alone and I also know sometimes it takes an extra push to go a little further. I also know that everyone starts from somewhere and I feel like this is the perfect place to come to start to run before it becomes competitive (if it ever becomes competitive)."


Kit's Mantras:

Train your mind to see the good in EVERYTHING...

Stay HUMBLE or LIFE will HUMBLE YOU.

Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.

• Follow Kitwana on Instagram here

MEET Ja'Veonna: Community Leader



Cassidy: Why do you run?

Ja'Veonna: "I run because I appreciate embracing the freedom of movement. I revel in the amount of discipline that it requires to chase new goals and challenge my capabilities. Ultimately I run because I enjoy it!"

Cassidy: What does running mean to you?

Ja'Veonna: "Running to me means limitless opportunity. While the popularity of running culture today may make running appear to be an exclusive, elitist club at times, the actual truth is that running can happen anywhere, at any pace and isn’t confined only to race day."

Cassidy: What is your favorite time of day and place to run, and why?

Ja'Veonna: "I don’t particularly have a preference on the time of day to run, I just like to run without a care in the world to the point of catching ‘runner’s high.’ Having that moment of boundless running is my favorite. The beach, or any route with a serene scene and a continuous path, tends to be my favorite place to run because it lends to the capability of running freely without distractions."

Cassidy: What does community mean to you?

Ja'Veonna: "Community to me means a supportive, uplifting and cohesive environment that is welcoming without harm or judgment. Distance running is a solo sport in many ways, but it is simultaneously community based. Oftentimes community in running looks like sharing miles with other runners either casually or for training, and acts as a social outlet that fosters a sense of belonging. I like to lean on my community for guidance, motivation and accountability, and camaraderie through shared experiences."

Cassidy: If you've run Run Malibu before (or volunteered!), what was your favorite moment and why?

Ja'Veonna: "I’ve had the opportunity to be involved with Run Malibu for the past two years. I volunteered in 2024, then I ran it for the first time in 2025 where I had the best experience. I truly enjoyed the run from start to finish. I personally like that Run Malibu, inadvertently, offers a nice juxtaposition of tranquility and commotion along the course. At the start there are periods without any cheer zones, so for me that’s when I can really focus on breathing and performance, then about halfway in when you get to pass the cheer zone area you get a rejuvenation of enthusiasm to finish strong."

Cassidy: What are some mantras you use while running? 

Ja'Veonna: "Three mantras that I use when running are: 

1. “Keep it easy, breezy, beautiful” - this is a play on the old Covergirl tagline (lol), but I say it to remind myself to start off calm and to also take in and appreciate each beautiful moment. 

2. Second, I like to say “Even when I think I can’t, I CAN" — I often enter a race with nerves and doubt, but every single time I prove to myself that I am strong and capable and this mantra is a reminder. 

3. Lastly, “This is my race, so run it” - a reminder that I’m doing this for me and not to be deterred or distracted by anyone else. It is also a reminder to power through."

What a way to get motivated! Join Run Movement for some miles; running really is better with friends, family, and community, and Run Movement has built a truly special one. Take these inspiring words and wisdom into your miles this month, channel our local heroes and invite others to join you. Together, we are unlimited.

Ready to run with us? Live The Good Life with Run Malibu