The Santa Clarita Valley has held many events over many years, but the event racing back into the city spotlight once again is the Santa Clarita Marathon.
In 2022, the City of Santa Clarita discontinued the event after a 25-year run due to economic factors. However, since getting permission to take over the marathon from the city in 2023, this year, the marathon has not only a new organizer but also a new location.
“We’re 100% on the Paseo,” said Bill Escobar, Santa Clarita Marathon organizer and owner.
“It’s very safe for the runners,” said Escobar.
“When you’re out on the road, there’s too many things that possibly happen,” said Escobar.
Despite the marathon coming back since last year, what does this mean to the people who live in the city and even participate in it?
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Santa Clarita Valley, and the fact that they have a marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K, you could be at any level, and it makes it fun for everyone,” said Cheryl Goldberg, a local resident that attended the event.
“I decided to come out at the end of the week to participate in the Santa Clarita marathon ’cause I really just wanted to test my grit,” said Earl Galindo, a marathon athlete.
“I’ve never run a full marathon, so I thought this would be icing on the cake, my last competition before heading off to the Marines to serve this country,” said Galindo.
With the option of a 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or Full Marathon run, many people have been able to participate in the event, including runners who want to qualify for the Boston Marathon, which the Santa Clarita marathon is a qualifier for.
