The inaugural Be the Light nighttime run/walk will hit the pavement on Saturday, August 30, at 8 p.m. Registration is now open and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit A Light of Hope, a Santa Clarita non-profit addiction support center.

The 5K will kick off at sunset and cruise along the San Francisquito Creek Trail, ending with an awards ceremony at West Creek Park. The event is open to competitive runners, novices and walkers, with medals awarded to the top three male and female finishers. All participants will receive a goody bag and the option to purchase a commemorative ‘Be The Light’ shirt.

The 5K course will follow a loop along both sides of the San Francisquito Creek Trail, between Copper Hill Drive and Decoro Drive. The run/walk starts where the trail adjoins West Creek Park, located at 24247 Village Circle. The route will head south along the trail, cross the Decoro Drive bridge, head north on the trail, and cross the Santa Clara River along Copper Hill Drive. Participants will then continue south along the San Francisquito Trail before ending with a dramatic nighttime finish at West Creek Park.

“The ‘Be the Light 5K’ course is entirely off-street along a beautiful riverside trail. Runners will show support for those struggling with addiction by illuminating the evening with headlamps and glow sticks, while enjoying a fun run in the cooler twilight hours,” said race organizer Mark Montoya. “Having participated in nighttime runs before, I can say the energy is really contagious. It’s going to be a blast.”

Aside from participating in the race, community members can show their support for the ‘Be the Light’ 5K in other ways. A variety of sponsorship opportunities and event volunteer positions are available, from manning aid stations to helping with check-in. Residents can also opt to sponsor a participant or donate directly through the ‘Be the Light 5K’ website.

“Addiction is a reality in our community, and proceeds from the 5K event will go a long way toward aiding ‘A Light of Hope’ in its mission to provide support for local families in crisis,” said A Light of Hope President Tim Traurig. “We’ve already received an outpouring of support for the event. Firefighters and law enforcement professionals stepped forward to offer first aid and security, and groups of individuals have pledged to volunteer. It’s really an example of everything that makes Santa Clarita so special.”

EVENT INFORMATION

SCHEDULE

7:00-7:45PM     Participant Check-in / Late Registration
7:30-7:50PM     Festivities & Announcements
8:00PM             5K Run/Walk Start
9:00PM             Winner Awards

FEES

5K RUNNERS & WALKERS

$25 – Adult Early/Online Registration
$30 – Adult Late Registration (after 8/29)
$15 – Youth 12 to 18 Years

ABOUT A LIGHT OF HOPE: A Light of Hope (ALOH) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Santa Clarita, CA, which specializes in addiction and recovery support for 14 to 26 year olds and their parents. The organization provides individual and family counseling, Alternative Peer Groups, support groups, interventions and referrals.

For more information/contact information:

Race Info./Sponsorship: Mark Montoya email: info@BeTheLight5K.org · phone: 661.917.9623

A Light of Hope: http://alightofhopescv.org/

Facebook: FB.com/ALightOfHope

Event website: http://BeTheLight5K.org

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJwTs5YIzDk