Finish The Ride and Finish The Run Santa Clarita 2026

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].

It's time for the Haunted Heroes 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon fun run/walk!!! Sunday, October 4th, 2026

Check-in - 6:45-7:30AM for everyone

Start - 7:30AM

Half marathon cut off 10:45am, option to start early to finish by 10:45am, please email for early start [email protected]

Address - West Creek Park 24247 Village Circle Drive, Valencia, 9354 There is a photo of the map on the website and google maps and apple maps link -- www.abetterworldrunning.com

https://www.abetterworldrunning.com/haunted-heroes-10-4-26-val

Event details and schedule

Address - West Creek Park 24247 Village Circle Drive, Valencia, 9354 There is a photo of the map on the website and google maps and apple maps link -- www.abetterworldrunning.com

All the participants will have their results posted with their names and times. And FREE pictures for everyone posted on our facebook page after the event! Pacers and crew are welcome at any time.

• 5k out and back route https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7762656

• 10k 2 x 5k loops

• 15k 3 x 5k loops

• Half marathon 3 x 4.36 mi loop: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7762654

Participants are not allowed to run with dogs. Running/walking with a stroller is allowed. 3:15 time limit for the half marathon. If more time is needed, please email us at [email protected] for early start.

ALL finishers get a medal. All results will be posted after the event on our website usually the evening of the event.

Everyone will get a medal as well as a goodie bag. Results are posted after every race on www.abetterworldrunning.com

Free photos are posted on our facebook page -- www.facebook.com/abetterworldrunning

We emphasize a more relaxed, fun and personal racing experience!

OFFICIAL TIMES AND PLACES WILL BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE: www.abetterworldrunning.com

NO REFUNDS NO BANDITS

Finish The Ride & Finish The Run – Santa Clarita

Sunday, October 25, 2026 • 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

West Creek Park • 24247 Village Circle Drive, Valencia, CA 91354

Join us for a memorable day of running, riding, walking, and rolling—all for a purpose. Finish The Ride & Finish The Run is more than an event; it’s a movement to make roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers everywhere.

🌄 What to Expect

Multiple Ride Options (Routes are subject to change)

• 12‑Mile Family Fun Ride/Roll – ideal for beginners & families (mostly on bike paths).

• 25‑Mile Tour de River Ride – advanced beginner/intermediate route.

• 62‑Mile Metric Century – challenging ride with scenic canyons and elevation gain (~3,500 ft).

Run/Walk Options

• 5K Run/Walk

• 10K Run/Walk

• 1K Kids & Puppy Run – for little ones and canine companions.

🕒 Schedule (October 25, 2026)

Time Event

6:00 AM Check‑in opens

7:00 AM Metric Century ride starts

8:00 AM Opening Ceremony with special guest speakers

8:15 AM 12‑Mile Fun Ride/Roll & 25‑Mile Tour de River Ride begin

8:30 AM 5K & 10K Run/Walk begin

9:00 AM Expo area opens; raffle drawings throughout the morning

9:30 AM 1K Kids & Puppy Runs begin

2:00 PM Expo closes

✔ Important Details

Packet Pickup: Information on the location and dates of packet pickup will be posted here as soon as it becomes available, as well as sent out in event emails. Includes your bib, helmet‑sticker (for rides), route maps, & any ordered shirts/jerseys.

Costumes: Halloween themed! Dress up if you’d like – we’ll have awards for the best costumes.

Support & Aid: Rides are supported by marshals, sag wagons, and free repair/tune‑up stations. If you need assistance, we’re here to help.

Water & Refreshments: Stations on route for rides & runs; snacks & food trucks at the expo.

Age & Participation Rules:

• Children under 14 must be accompanied by parent/guardian.

• Minimum ages vary by event: e.g. 12‑mile ride ≥ 5 yrs, 25‑mile ≥ 8 yrs, 62‑mile ≥ 15 yrs. Runs also have age minimum.

🎯 Why This Matters

Finish The Ride & Finish The Run was founded by Damian Kevitt after a life‑changing hit‑and‑run. What began as one person’s effort to overcome tragedy has grown into a community movement advocating for safer streets in Southern California and beyond. By participating, you are helping raise awareness and support systemic changes—policies, education, infrastructure—that make roads safer for all through Streets Are For Everyone.

📍 Logistics & Registration

Location: West Creek Park, Valencia – 24247 Village Circle Drive.

Transportation: Consider taking the Metrolink (Antelope Valley Line) + connecting bus, or ride your bike from the station up to West Creek Park. Streets Are For Everyone

Fees & Discounts: Registration options vary by event. Special rates may apply for veterans, first responders, groups, etc. Contact us directly at [email protected] for more information.

What’s included: Event t‑shirt or athletic sleeves with registration, finishing medals for all events, awards, expo, etc.

Come ride, run, walk, roll—or cheer—on this meaningful day. Let’s finish the ride, finish the run, and finish strong for safer streets for everyone. #NeverGiveUp