Santa Clarita Trail Race

Kick off summer at Hansen Dam with a race that makes a splash! Join us for a scenic run in one of Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor spaces, then cool off at the pool as we celebrate the start of aquatics season.

This race benefits Citywide Aquatics programs, helping ensure families across LA have access to safe, affordable swim lessons and open water recreation all summer long. After you cross the finish line, the fun continues with music, community festivities, and free access to the Hansen Dam pool.

Run. Splash. Celebrate summer with us.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Join us on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, as the Santa Clarita Runners and sponsor Heritage Sierra proudly present the 42nd Annual Independence Day Classic— benefiting cross-country programs for the seven area high schools and other local non-profit organizations.

RACE INFO

• Go to https://id5k.scrunners.org for more details.

• To register, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Newhall/IndependenceDayClassicEvent

• No dogs are allowed on the course during race. Bicyclists may not accompany runners.

• Strollers are allowed for those participating in the run/walk and are required to begin at the back of the start to not impede faster runners.

• It’s likely to be warm—hydrate! There will be a water station on the 5K course.

SHIRTS & GOODIES

• 5K and Senior Walk participants receive a high-quality technical shirt (100% micro-fiber) and a finisher's medal.

• Kids K participants will receive a finisher's medal.

• Pictures for FREE download after the race. (Link to photos will be provided, typically a few days following the race.)

• Post-race expo featuring 10 or so vendors will be held following the races in the park.

• Free Kona Ice will be available to all participants following the race during the expo.

RACE START TIMES/LOCATION

• Kids K – Race Time: 7:15am

• 5K – Race Time: 7:30am

• Masters Walk – Race Time: 7:35am, immediately following 5K start

Expo immediately following the race featuring free Kona Ice for participants

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LOCATION

Newhall Park

24933 Newhall Avenue

Newhall, CA 91321

PACKET PICK-UP INFO

Wednesday, July 3rd

• Time: 3:00-8:00pm

• Location: Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita, 24909 Newhall Avenue, Newhall, CA 91321 (Look for the inflatable arch!)

Thursday, July 4th

• Time: 6:00-7:30am for Kids K

6:00-7:45am for 5K, Senior Walk

• Location: Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita, 24909 Newhall Avenue, Newhall, CA 91321 (Look for the inflatable arch!)

Runners are encouraged to pick up their packets on July 3rd if possible.

PARKING AND DROP-OFFS

Parking

• Wednesday, July 3rd – Street parking is available for Wednesday’s Packet Pick-Up available near the Boys and Girls Club.

• Thursday, July 4th – Parking is available but can be difficult with street closures and parade attendees. Ask about parking at Packet Pick-Up for additional recommendations. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the locations and closures beforehand and also arrive early!

Drop-Offs

• Refer to the parking information above, especially the closure of Newhall Ave. at about 6:45am. Try to get as close as possible to Newhall Ave and Dalbey Drive for Drop-Offs.

COURSE INFORMATION

Kids K – The Kids K is a simple out-and-back course, beginning at the 5K start line on Dalbey Drive. Runners proceed west and turn around just before they reach Orchard Village Road. Dalbey Drive will be completely closed during the race.

5K – The 5K Course is fast, flat, and paved, starting on Dalbey Drive going west and proceeding to the City of Santa Clarita parade route, featuring one of the best cheering sections in SoCal! The turnaround point is in front of the library on Lyons Avenue.

Senior Walk – The new Senior Walk is a flat out-and-back course. The event will begin immediately after the 5K runners depart and will also proceed west on Dalbey Drive, turning left (south) on Orchard Village Road (along the Parade Route) until reaching the halfway point where walkers return to the starting point.

AWARDS

Overall and Team Awards

• Team and Overall Awards will be presented during the expo on race day. Overall and Team Awards will be presented to the top finishers in the following categories.

OVERALL

• Top male/female 5K finisher

TEAM

• Fastest 5K (min. 5 runners) NOTE: Top 5 finisher times will be used for calculating team results.

• Most Participants across all events

Age Group Awards (5K only)

Age Group Awards can be picked up at the SCR tent on race day (near the Race Results tent). 5K AG Awards are based on chip time and will be provided to male and female 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the following age categories.

AGE GROUP AWARDS (Male & Female, 3-deep) – 5K:

• 12 & under

• 13-18

• 19-24

• 25-29

• 30-34

• 35-39

• 40-44

• 45-49

• 50-54

• 55-59

• 60-64

• 65-69

• 70+

DEFERRALS, TRANSFERS & REFUNDS

Deferrals

• The Independence Day Classic does not offer deferrals. However, registration can be transferred to another participant at no cost (see below). Additionally, race insurance can be purchased from RunSignUp at the time of registration.

Transfer Your Registration to Someone Else

• The Independence Day Classic does allow what RunSignup refers to a "Gift Transfer," where the registrant gives their registration to another user, does not receive a refund, and the gift recipient is able to register for free. The Race does not charge a processing fee for "Gifting" a registration to another user. If you would like to transfer your entry to a new runner using this method, please do so by Tuesday, July 2nd.

• Transfers are initiated from within RunSignup.

Refunds

• The Independence Day Classic does not offer refunds. However, during registration you have the option to purchase race insurance which provides refunds when unforeseen things happen such as injuries.

• Although consumers purchase through the RunSignup website, insurance provider RegShield is a third-party entity, and all plan-related questions should be directed to FanShield via email at [email protected].

RACE DAY NEED TO KNOW:

Check-In and Packet Pickup: Begins at 7AM at TMU's North Campus, and ends at the start of your race. You will receive your Race Number, Timing Chip, and T-Shirt (sizes subject to availability for participants who registered after 12/15/26)

The Master's University, North Campus Address: 24736 Quigley Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

Parking: Arrive early to find parking. Parking is NOT available at North Campus (P3). Free parking is available in any of TMU's lots apart from P3. CLICK HERE for a campus map. (Available lots: P1, P2A, P2B, P2C, P4. Additional parking is available at TMU's Centennial lot). Carpool recommended.

Since 2011, The Master’s University Winter 5K has been a favorite among local runners thanks to the welcoming atmosphere, scenic course, and community partnerships. This year we are continuing 2025's new features; the Kids 1K, and a more competitive 5K race – the 5K Challenge. The 5K Challenge will be limited to participants whose goal is to complete the race in around 35 minutes. Our traditional 5K Run/Walk will take place immediately following the 5K Challenge.

This year's course will replicate the 2025 course. The race will start on TMU’s north campus, wind through Placerita Canyon and Quigley Canyon Open Space, and will finish at the starting point on north campus. The Master's University Winter 5K boasts a scenic and entirely flat course with varying terrain, perfect for participants of all ages and abilities. Come experience what local runners have called their “favorite way to start off the new year!”

2026-27 REGISTRATION SCHEDULE

Kids K:

JUL 1 -- Early Registration ($10)

SEP 1 -- General Registration ($15)

DEC 15 -- Last day to register and guarantee souvenir T-shirt

JAN 23 -- Race Day Registration ($20): Online or In-Person (Credit, Check or Cash Available)

5K Challenge & 5K Run/Walk:

JUL 1 -- Early Registration ($30)

SEP 1 -- Priority Registration ($35)

NOV 1 -- General Registration ($40)

DEC 15 -- Last day to register and guarantee souvenir T-shirt

JAN 9 -- Late Registration ($45)

JAN 23 -- Race Day Registration ($50): Online or In-Person (Credit, Check or Cash Available)

AWARDS

Participants in the Kids K, 5K Challenge and 5K Run/Walk will all receive event t-shirts (exact size not guaranteed for late registrants) and medallions.

Prizes for the overall male and female winners, will be awarded per age group of the 5K Challenge race.