The 4th Annual Be the Light 5k run/walk and 10k run, presented by Firehouse Subs, will be held Saturday, September 30, at 6 p.m. at West Creek Park. Registration is open online and will be available on-site up until fifteen minutes prior to the start of the race. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit A Light of Hope, a Santa Clarita non-profit addiction support center dedicated to 14-26-year-olds and their parents.

New to the event this year is the addition of a 10k run, which will begin at 6 p.m. as a lead up to the 5K, which will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Both events follow the San Francisquito Creek Trail and begin and end at West Creek Park. At the conclusion of the 5k run/walk there will be an awards ceremony at the park for both runs.

The main 5k run/walk, which drew nearly 1,000 participants in 2016 is open to competitive runners, novices and walkers, with place medals awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal at the finish line. Runners can also sign up as teams with trophies being awarded to the top three finishing teams. Only participants registered as “runners” will get chip-timed results.

The competitive 10k run is open for participants registered as “runners” with a minimum pace of 10 minutes per mile. All participants will get chip-timed results.

The nighttime run/walk is unique in that hundreds of community members are adorned with glowing lights that create a dazzling spectacle as they move through the night. A goody bag will be provided and some glow lights will be given on a first-come first-served basis. Runners are asked to bring a small flashlight or headlamp to safely navigate the trail while showing their support for those battling addiction.

The 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 Drive. 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 Creek Trail before ending with a dramatic nighttime finish at West Creek Park.

“We’re excited to add a 10k for the competitive runners in Santa Clarita who have already been so supportive of the event,” said race organizer Mark Montoya. “Combine that with the momentum that has built up for the 5k, and we’re expecting quite a lively crowd!”

Aside from participating in the race, community members can show their support for the Be The Light 5K in other ways. Race presenters are looking for approximately 60 volunteers and supporters who can opt to sponsor a participant or donate directly through the Be The Light 5K website at BeTheLight5k.org. Runners can also fundraise individually or as a team.

“Certainly this event supports a great cause, as most of us have been affected by addiction in one way or another,” said A Light of Hope President Tim Traurig. “But, it’s also an exhilarating way to share in the unbelievable community spirit that we have here in Santa Clarita. We expect over 1,000 participants glowing through the night which is something truly special to be a part of.”

The Be the Light 5k, presented by Firehouse Subs, is also made possible by Gold Sponsors: Sunpower by Green Convergence, Verizon and Rapid Rentals, along with support from AMR, the Santa Clarita Runners Club, Castaic Lake Water Agency and the City of Santa Clarita.

Schedule
5:30PM Arrive and Enjoy Festivities
6:00-7:00PM 10K Run
6:20-6:50PM Program and 5K Instructions
7:00PM 5K Run/Walk Starts
8:00PM Winner Awards & Wrap-Up

Fees
Fee: 5K (Run or Walk):
$30 – Youth (under 18)
$40 – Adults
Fee: 10K (Run Only*):
$35 – Youth (under 18)
$45 – Adults
* 10K participants must register as “runner” and have a minimum pace of 10 min/mi.

Results and Awards
5K Run
Medals (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) will be awarded to overall top finishers and to top finishers by sex/age-group (e.g., M1-11, M12-17, M18-24, M25-34, M35-44, and so on).
Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 fastest teams overall, under U.S. cross-country style scoring.
All runners and walkers will receive a finisher’s medal at the finish line.
Only participants registered as runners will receive a posted, chip-timed result.
Participants registered as “walkers” will not receive a timed result.

10K Run
Only first-place medals will be awarded to overall top finishers and to top finishers by sex/age-group (e.g., M1-11, M12-17, M18-24, M25-34, M35-44, and so on).
All runners will receive a finisher’s medal at the finish line.
Runners only – Minimum 10 min/mi pace
No 2nd or 3rd place medals, but all results will be posted.
No cross-country style team competition.

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- 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
YouTube Promo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD_iW83EfCQ

Event website: http://BeTheLight5K.org (Event website has pictures, video and results from past events)