Wilshire Boulevard will be congested with foot traffic this Sunday as the inaugural Miracle Mile Run gets underway between Orange and Ogden drives. Runners are expected to gather at 6:30 a.m. at Orange Drive, located two blocks east of La Brea Avenue, and run one mile to the “Urban Light” exhibit in front of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

LACMA’s “Urban Light” will serve as the finish line for the upcoming Miracle Mile Run organized by Councilman Tom LaBonge. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, initiated the run, and said it is a great way to showcase destinations along the Miracle Mile while promoting exercise and healthy living. The councilman said he plans to hold the run again in the fall, and hopes that it will become a regular event in the area.

“There used to be huge track meets at the Coliseum, and there was once a race called the Miracle Mile. I thought that would be something great to have again,” LaBonge said. “We are trying to create that here for the people of Los Angeles with a run straight down Wilshire Boulevard.”

Participation in the event is free. Runners will receive an official bib, and their run will be timed. No registration is necessary.

“Anyone can just show up this Sunday and run down Wilshire Boulevard,” LaBonge said.

The street will be closed to traffic beginning at 6:30 a.m., and will be reopened in segments as the last runners pass down the boulevard. The run and finish line celebration is anticipated to conclude by 8:30 a.m.

The councilman said he is particularly interested in getting young people involved. Dozens of cadets from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire and Olympic divisions are expected to participate. All runners under 17 will receive free membership in LACMA’s NexGen program, which offers art activities and tours for youth during the museum’s “Family Sundays”, held weekly on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity for young people,” LaBonge added. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Tim Deegan, chair of the Mid-City West Community Council and director of guest services for LACMA, said the Miracle Mile Run will be a good way for people to learn about the museum and the other cultural institutions in the area. The George C. Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Craft and Folk Art Museum are located near the finish line.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Deegan said. “We look forward to being involved, and I think it is something Mid-City West and the Council District Four Office can collaborate on in the future.”

Steve Kramer, president of the Miracle Mile Chamber of Commerce, added that the run is another way to establish the area as a destination. Kramer said there are many new housing and retail projects that have opened on the Miracle Mile, and many people may be surprised to see how the character of the neighborhood is changing.

“I am so excited about the Miracle Mile Run. It celebrates our neighborhood and our youth, and I think it’s great,” Kramer said. “I want to see runners out on the street. I think they are going to see a revitalized Miracle Mile. It’s exciting to see what’s coming, and this showcases not only the diversity of us as a people, but the diverse architecture and the changes that have occurred.”

Kramer added that the chamber of commerce will be looking into ways to make the run an annual event. LaBonge added that a lot of people have expressed support, and he expects a large turnout on Sunday.

“The Miracle Mile is a very special place, and this is something I have wanted to do for several years,” LaBonge said. “One of the things I would like to do in the future is organize it as a benefit.”