Those who love to run have a number of reasons why they choose running and it’s not just the “runner’s high.”
Barbara Clarkson, of Valencia, began running cross country track in high school and never stopped.
“I really didn’t like gym class in high school, but once I discovered cross country, I was hooked,” she said. “I am still running 40 years later, although I think it is more like jogging now.”
Clarkson said she enjoys the early mornings, before the Santa Clarita Valley heat sets in.
“There is such a quiet stillness in the morning. It allows me time to reflect and think about the day,” she said. “I love running on the paseos. I also like the Iron Horse trail where I can see the wildlife.”
Benefits of Running
Runners say the activity provides a powerful mix of mental clarity, physical health benefits and a deep sense of personal achievement.
Many runners talk about the “Runner’s High.” Running triggers the release of endorphins and endocannabinoids, which are natural chemicals in the body that reduce pain and create a feeling of euphoria.
Runners also say they find the rhythmic pounding of footsteps helps quiet daily stress, clears mental clutter and acts as a form of active mindfulness.
Regular cardiovascular exercise can reduce stress, so running lowers overall stress hormones including cortisol and supports long-term mental health.
An often overlooked benefit of running is the satisfaction of setting goals, such as running a longer distance or improving your pace, which provides clear, dopamine-driven satisfaction when you achieve your goals.
SCV Running Clubs
Many SCV runners enjoy the camaraderie of running with others who share their running passion.
Santa Clarita Runners
Santa Clarita Runners is a non-profit running organization that welcomes all people of any ability level to engage in fitness while developing lifetime friendships. The club offers four different weekly workouts, including marathon training, track workout, 5-6 mile tempo/social fun run and an up to 10 mile “LoweBucks” run. Additionally the club will periodically have fun runs taking advantage of local trails.
Funds raised from the club’s July 4 Independence Day Classic benefits the cross country teams of Santa Clarita Valley High Schools. Other events have benefited pediatric cancer organizations and the local food pantry.
Annual membership fees are $40 for individuals and $55 for families. Youth Student fee is $20.
Currently the club offers a Thursday Night Tempo run at 6 p.m. that offers a different course each week along the trails of Santa Clarita. The route is typically 4-6 miles, with shorter options available. A group dinner is often held after the run.
The Saturday LoweBucks Run, 7-9 a.m. begins in the Lowe’s parking lot, 26415 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350. It is 10 miles with various marked shorter routes. Longer options also available. Coffee at Starbucks on Newhall Ranch Road and Bouquet Canyon afterwards.
The Sunday Long Run, 6:30-7:30 a.m. begins at Granary Square, 25830 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355. Sunday morning longer distance runs are usually geared towards a spring or a fall marathon.
SCV Run Club
The SCV Run Club is a welcoming community for runners, walkers, families, beginners and seasoned athletes alike.
“Whether you’re chasing a personal best, pushing a stroller, bringing your dog, or simply looking for connection, you’ll find your people here,” said the club’s website.
A calendar is posted with each month’s events. Upcoming on the SCV Run Club calendar is Sept. 23 – Match Your Running Shoe at 7 p.m.; and Mile Challenge at 7 p.m. Visit SCV Run Club on Facebook.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 26 Be the Light 5K/10K Run
Info bethelight5k.com
Run under the stars and lights to support youth in recovery. Be part of Santa Clarita’s signature night run/walk where the SCV comes together to support youths in recovery through A Light of Hope, showing that they are seen, valued and never alone.
Oct. 4 Haunted Heroes 5k, 10k, 15k and Half Marathon
Info www.abetterworldrunning.com/haunted-heroes-10-4-26-val
Celebrate the Halloween season at West Creek Park in Valencia. Run any of the events and grab a custom Halloween-themed finisher medal. Costumes are optional but encouraged.
Oct. 10 Project Sebastian’s Rare Stairs Challenge 2
Info projectsebastian.org/
Project Sebastian supports families facing rare diseases through connection, compassion and advocacy. The group encourages you to come out to Central Park at 8 a.m. and see how many flights of stairs you can do to raise awareness for rare diseases.
Jeepers Creepers Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and 5k
Info secure.elitesportsca.com/event/jeepers-creepers-marathon
This is a wide-ranging event for elite and advanced runners to beginners and walkers. There is plenty of race swag including a medal, event day dri-fit shirt, a reusable goodie bag and more.
There will be prizes for the best spooky costumes. The starting line is at Heritage Park.
Oct. 25 Finish the Ride and Finish the Run
Info www.streetsareforeveryone.org/finish-the-ride-santa-clarita
This event is more than a cycling and running event, it supports life-saving strategies through the Streets Are For Everyone non-profit group.
It will be held at West Creek Park.
Nov. 15 Santa Clarita Marathon
Info secure.elitesportsca.com/event/santa-clarita-marathon
This marathon is USATF certified and is an official Boston Marathon qualifier. It starts and finishes at Heritage Park, and follows the traffic-free Santa Clarita bike path and paseos.
All runners will receive more than $100 worth of swag including the finisher medal, finisher shirt, premium hat, reusable tote bag and a free plate of street tacos at the post-race expo.
Walkers are welcome. You will have 7 hours to finish the course, which is about 15 minutes plus per mile.
SCV’s Top Running Trails
There are many options for runners in the SCV, here are few favorites.
San Francisquito Creek Trail This is the longest and most popular flat route in the SCV. It offers a mostly flat, accessible run of 7-plus miles following the creek.
Don Mullally Loop/Canyon View Loop in Ed Davis Park at Towsley Canyon This 6-mile route features mountain views, canyon terrain and a moderate-to-challenging climb.
Lookout Trail Hiking area This is considered the most popular and difficult trail run in the SCV. It features an ascent of 2,408 feet, but runners are rewarded with sweeping views of the SCV.
Iron Horse Trail This 4-mile paved multi-use path connects to the wider regional river trail system. It is mostly paved surfaces that are well-maintained and suitable for steady jogging or speed work.
