Running through Compton, the Hub City

Compton is a city known for its culture, music, and now, fitness. Among the fitness groups is the Compton Run Club (CRC), whose members have collectively run hundreds of miles, including 150 half marathons and dozens of marathons. All with a simple goal: to build healthier communities.  

The CRC brings people from across Los Angeles to run 3.1 miles or more. The club started six years ago with less than 20 members meeting at Greenleaf Parkway, but it quickly grew, marking a new chapter in the club’s evolution. It now has over 100 members and meets a block away at Wilson Park to accommodate the expanding crowd. 

Raymond Harvey, the club's founder, had physical and mental health in mind when he started CRC. He saw a need in Compton to address these challenges. 

He said the club has created a powerful sense of community while helping reduce the mental and physical health issues plaguing the city.

"I love the energy that we’re creating, some that's not expected," Harvey said. 

A second family

For many, the CRC has become more than just a group; it’s a second family. From celebrating birthdays to creating lasting memories, the club has become a place where members bond over shared experiences and build friendships. 

Nancy Garcia, a long-time member, knows the club's routine inside and out: warm-ups, birthday shout-outs, the run, prayers and departure. When her birthday finally arrived on March 8, she made sure to show up, bringing her entire family with her to receive her only birthday wish: to be sung “Happy Birthday.” 

“This is actually the one thing I wanted for my birthday," she said. "I didn't really want anything else."

For Isai Lopez, who joined CRC in the summer of 2024, the club has been a transformative experience. Lopez works at a mental health facility, and once he started realizing there was a mental decline in his health, he decided to join CRC. 

"I don't want to bring my own problems to work," he said. 

Over the months, Lopez has noticed dramatic improvements in both his physical and mental health. On March 16, he ran the L.A. Marathon, along with 28 other members of CRC.

Running is known to be a powerful way to improve mental health. It reduces stress and anxiety, promotes mental clarity, and boosts confidence, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). 

The CRC has proven that running is not just about the distance, it is about transforming lives, one step at a time.

Erika Pacheco joined the club in November 2024 and brought her best friend of over 10 years, Esmeralda Garcia, along for the journey. 

“I want to be healthy for them [her kids],” said Pacheco, explaining that her children are also athletes.

The friends now take part in 5K runs on Saturdays and said they will continue to come to this club.

The future of CRC

According to Harvey, the vision is clear: more races and more runners, especially for the east side of the city, which he believes deserves more opportunities. The club will continue to cater to its sense of community, encouraging people of all backgrounds to stay active and inspiring others to embrace fitness and community. 

Through its success, the CRC has made a significant impact in Compton. The club hosts an annual 5k race in August, which has raised over $40,000 in scholarships for local high school and college students. This event has become one of the club's highlights.

The club gathers every Thursday at 5:45 PM at Centennial High School for training, Saturday mornings at Wilson’s Park for the 5Ks runs, and Sunday mornings for the long runs of five-plus miles. Runners of all ages and places are welcome to join. 

For more info, visit @Comptonrunclub on Instagram or their website, cptrunclub.com.

This article was produced in collaboration with the Department of Journalism & Public Relations at California State University, Long Beach.