Chapter of Group for At-Risk Youths Forming

A chapter of Students Run L.A., a program principally for at-risk youths, is being launched here.

The larger organization’s co-creator, Eric Spears, said the program “is designed to give kids a goal beyond reach, but [one] they could attain if they set short-term goals and work hard over several months.”

Last year, more than 1,500 high school-age youths ran a 13-mile half-marathon sponsored by the group, many preparing for the Los Angeles Marathon, said Ross Hawkins, a businessman who is founding the Culver City chapter. Hawkins said the program is open to all high school-age students.

Laslo Tabori, who broke the four-minute mile in a 1955 London race, will train the Culver City runners on weekends, he said. This year’s half-marathon from Playa del Rey to Culver City takes place Dec. 7, he said. Private corporations are providing shoes and running outfits for each participant, he said. For information, call (310) 839-5725.