This year the Will Rogers 5/10K started and was run in Venice.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT
Even the thick gray clouds that hung in the morning skies this 4th of July couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds of runners gathered for this year’s Will Rogers Palisades 5/10K Run— but with a twist. Held in Venice this year, no 10K, still nearly 1,100 people ran or walked the 5K. All proceeds from signup fees are going to the Palisades’ recovery efforts.
The race began at 1 Windward Avenue and continued up and around Venice Boulevard before looping back to end at the start 1 Windward Avenue.
Henry Didden won the 5K race.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT
The top finisher was Henry Didden, 21 with 15:39, a 5:02 minute mile. Last year, he won the 10K and goes to Bucknell University where he runs track and cross country at that Division 1 school. Michael Mrgudic, 30, was second with 15:50 and Ernesto Jalomo, 17, was third with a 16:03 time.
For the female division, Kayla Clayton, 25, took first with a time of 18:45, a 6:02 minute mile. Second was Phoebe Benun, 18, with a 18:54 time and third was Keely Berger, 23, with 19:13. Sue, Phoebe’s mom was first in the 55-59 age group with a time of 22:14. Benun was first in the Will Rogers 5K Race last year.
Kayla Clayton was first in the women’s division of the 5K.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT
This writer, who also lost his home in the fire, asked Palisades residents what today’s race meant to them. “I have to say it’s great to be with the team, because we’ve been through a lot,” said Owen, former member of the Pali High Running Club.
“I have a lot of friends who live in the Palisades. I used to run with the Ridge runners, so I have to come down and show my support,” said Betty, former Palisades resident.
“It’s community,” Penny Saint-John (funnily enough not related at all to Saint John’s hospital, the sponsor of today’s race) said. “We’re going to show up and show that we’re still together, still strong.”
New honorary Palisades Co-mayors Gigi Rice and Ted McGinley also were on hand for the race start.
(Left to right) Honorary Palisades Co-Mayor Ted McGinley, Sheryl Bourgeois, CEO Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, Announcer Sam Lagana, Councilmember Traci Park, Co-honorary Mayor Gigi Rice and announcer Jimmy Dunne.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT
Despite her busy schedule, Councilwoman Traci Park was also at the start of the race. “I am with you, Palisades,” she announced to the crowd. Next, Mia Ruhmen, UCLA music major and Palisades High graduate, wonderfully sung the national anthem alongside a presentation of the flag by the LAPD Color Guard.
Saint John’s Chief Administrative Officer Jared Amerson took center stage next. As the sponsor of today’s race, St. John’s arranged for stations positioned around the starting line offering race essentials like water and energy bars. “This race is a 47-year tradition, but this is the first time it’s ever been held in Venice,” said Amerson. “We at Saint John’s are honored to continue to serve the people of Pacific Palisades.”
The gates to the run blasted open with a horn, unleashing a torrent of serious runners competing for a time, followed by slower waves of people smiling and waving as they passed Rich Schmitt taking photos.
Smiling faces surrounded the finish line as everyone rested their legs, knowing that beyond running their best, the funds raised today would go towards getting the Palisades back on its feet and running again, hopefully soon.
Promptly at 8:30, the kids lined up for the ½ mile fun run, organized by Danielle Ariola and sponsored by Laura Brau Estates. The Kids Fun Run was started in 1995 for kids who were too young (or unwilling) to run a 5K. Every year hundreds of kids, some as young as three, sought to emulate the older runners by running.
Kids Fun Run 2025 saw some enthusiastic runners.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT
This year’s presenting sponsor was Saint John’s Health Center and valued sponsors included Cynthia and William Simon Jr. Foundation, Kennedy Wilson, Laura Brau Estates, Council District 11, and American Legion Post 28
The kids “Fun Run” was the best of the Palisades. Moms and dad holding their kids on their shoulders coming into the finish line, parents and grandparents cheering on their kids… doesn’t get better than that.