Students Run Los Angeles, also known as SRLA, has been up and running this year after the return of in-person schooling. 

SRLA is a program here at Venice where students meet multiple times every week to practice for races and marathons that they run throughout the year. 

The program set out to improve the community of Los Angeles by bringing students together through running, while building skills to improve their future. 

Most recently, they’ve put together another race in the books— a 15K run, this past Sunday in Van Nuys. 

So far the club has accomplished a 5K, 10K, and a 15K over the course of the semester. 

Freshman Tiana Castro started SRLA this year in September and took part in the 15k race.

“The morning was really cold,” Castro said, “The last loop around the track was the hardest part.” 

SRLA meets every week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, recently adding Saturdays to the mix. 

There’s one marathon on March 20 in Encino and multiple races up until that point. 

Students practice often and do time running on their own, using trackers and apps that count steps. 

SRLA students are required to be fully vaccinated to join. There is also a hybrid option available for those who are not or are staying home.

Mr. Smith has been the adviser of SRLA for 16 years, 14 of which have been at Venice, along with several other co-leaders. 

Last year, with online schooling, Smith had to make adjustments to practices.

“We had to do all our events virtually,” Smith said. “Our practices were literally Zoom. We’re really excited because this year we’re able to actually do them in-person.”