In a predominantly Latino suburb of Los Angeles, Iris Delgado founded a running club two years ago aimed at connecting runners while advocating for essential safety measures like crosswalks and bike lanes. But as the Trump administration's immigration raids intensified, the Huntington Park Run Club found itself becoming a crucial source of community support and safety.
With a motto centered on safety, the group warns members about immigration agent sightings through their Instagram account. Each running event is accompanied by a bike marshal to keep an eye on participants, ensuring their well-being in the face of growing fears stemming from raids.
Just a stone's throw from a Home Depot that has seen multiple raids - impacting the nearby high school - the club’s activities have gained new significance. Delgado distributes flyers detailing rights and resources, empowering members to navigate the dangers of their reality.
“Continuing to take up space even in the form of running in these streets is a form of protest, is a form of resistance,” said Evelyn Romo, a club member. The club, which never cancels a run, has become a vital space for community decompression and connection.
With members ranging from teenagers to those in their seventies, the club embodies diversity, reflecting the varied backgrounds and experiences of its participants. They focus on safety amidst a culture of fear—each run reaffirming their resolve in the face of uncertainty. The shared experience of managing fear and reclaiming community space has transformed running into a powerful act of resistance against a backdrop of systemic oppression.
As the club melds fitness with advocacy, it raises vital funds to support day laborers and continually chronicling the realities of immigration enforcement. “Our main community value is to keep each other safe,” Delgado emphasizes. As the situation evolves, the Huntington Park Run Club continues to represent both resilience and the spirit of community in turbulent times.
