The Independence Day Classic 5K and 10K Run/Walk and Kids K will take place on Tuesday July 4. The 10K race will start at 7:00 a.m., it will be followed by the Kids K at 7:45 a.m.

The 5K Race will start at 8:00 a.m. right before the parade at Newhall Park in Newhall. This event is organized to raise money to support the cross country programs from all 6 local high schools in the Santa Clarita Valley.

This year’s event offers a technical shirt, an after the race smoothie, a free download picture and finishers medals to all participants.

Next to the Santa Clarita Marathon, The Independence Day Classic is the largest community running race in the SCV, drawing in excess of 1000 participants annually. In the past years all the proceeds were donated to the Cross Country Programs. Each school received a donation of $2,500 to $3,000.

It is special meaningful for high schools cross country programs to receive financial support because these programs do not charge any admission on their events and therefore do not generate revenue to support the costs of operation. Cross country programs rely on fundraising, revenue sharing from other programs, and donations such as those made by our club from this race.

People participate because this is a well-organized and fun community event that draws the best runners from our valley and some strong runners from other communities and other states. But, you don’t need to be an experienced cross country runner to have a good time, or even to win. The Runners Club awards medals from first to third place in more than a dozen age categories in both 5K and 10K, so many participants will be rewarded for their efforts.

This event is part of the City of Santa Clarita 4th of July parade festivities and it is organized and timed by the Santa Clarita Runners Club an organization that was involved with the city in the planning, administration and logistic for the Santa Clarita Marathon.

Those interested in registering for the 5K/10K run/walk or get more information can visit www.scrunners.org.