Hundreds of runners and walkers took to West Creek Park in Valencia Saturday night for the Be The Light 5K in support of people in recovery.

“(The Be The Light 5K is) really to give hope in the community for people who are struggling with substance abuse and related issues especially for our young people,” said Mark Montoya, the race director for the [Be The Light 5K].

550 participants registered for the race and many others showed up on the day of the event “just to be a part of it,” Montoya said.

As the sun set, participants turned on headlamps and flashlights and cracked glowsticks for a run/walk along the San Francisquito Creek Trail.

The light created a visual show of community support so young people in recovery, along with relatives, will be reminded that they are not alone and that where there is light, there is hope.

Tim Gutierrez, 18, came in first place for the men with a time of 16 minutes and 42 seconds.

“It’s a great experience,” said Gutierrez. “I’m so glad I ran here.”

Darcy Lange, 47, with the Santa Clarita Running Co., came in first place for the women with a time of 20 minutes and 59 seconds.

Many participants were a part of a team, such as the Santa Clarita Track Club’s Students Off And Running program, or SOAR, and the Santa Clarita Running Company.

SOAR was running the Be The Light 5K in honor of Jazmin Gonzalez, 22, of Newhall, who was found dead in a car parked on the street in the Happy Valley area on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10.

Gonzalez competed in the Los Angeles Marathon as a SOAR program participant in 2011.

All of proceeds raised from the event, including registration fees and donations, went to benefit A Light of Hope, or ALOH.

Approximately $20,000 was raised from the Be The Light 5K, Montoya said.

“Personally, I want to see people getting help,” Montoya said. “I want people to know that there is a large community of people who love them and care for them and have open arms and will not give them any shame but will extend acceptance and understanding and offer hope for them and their families.”

About A Light Of Hope

A Light Of Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healing and freedom for youth 14-26 years of age.

While there is emphasis on substance abuse and addiction, help is offered for a wide range of life challenges faced by teens and young adults, such as eating disorders, cutting and depression.

ALOH offers support-group and counseling options to serve the needs of individuals and families.

ALOH strives to facilitate, inspire, and celebrate personal growth and spiritual development for families, youth, and young adults in recovery.