By Mary O’KEEFE

Costumed runners – and those wearing traditional running garb – on Saturday took part in the annual 5K Fun Run at CV Park sponsored by the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Aptly named “Running Under the Oaks,” this was the first time the annual event was held at CV Park. In the past, the 5K began at Two Strike Park with the run taking place on surrounding streets. The run was moved to CV Park because it was deemed safer by chamber board.

“Everyone we talked to liked using the park [instead of] the street,” said Jean Maluccio, CVCOC board member.

There were about 100 people who ran/walked the 5K with the youngest runner, who participated in the kids’ Fun Run, at 2 years old. The morning started with a warm-up under the direction of Linda Taix and her crew from Extreme Boot Camp.

The change in venue did not come without challenges though; Maluccio said with the support of volunteers and the staff of Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation it went well.

“It is all about bringing the community together – all ages – and a way to not only give back to the schools but to also have a fun morning,” she added.

Runners could designate a school or non-profit that would receive $5 from each entry fee paid. The run is a fundraiser for the Chamber to support all it does for the community, including distributing scholarships to local graduating seniors, hosting the annual Hometown Country Fair and monthly business mixers. The next event is a mixer being held on Nov. 14 at the American Legion/VFW Memorial Hall at 4011 La Crescenta Ave.

For more information on the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit www.crescentavalleychamber.org.

For a list of winners of the 5K, visit www.cvweekly.com/NEWS.

  Mary Okeefe