Chamber Prepares for Running Under the Oaks

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Runners of all ages in all types of costume are expected at CV Park, the new location for the annual CV Chamber of Commerce 5K Run-Walk taking place on Saturday morning.

The annual chamber of commerce fundraiser invites everyone to get fit while having fun.

By Mary O’KEEFE

It’s time to run with the community on Saturday when the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce holds its Running Under the Oaks 5K event.

The annual 5K Run-Walk is changing things up a bit this year by having the run at a new location. Crescenta Valley Park is the new site of the run. The decision to move from Two Strike Park to CV Park was due to safety concerns.

“It was about safety,” said Mike Baldwin, CV Chamber board member and chair of the Run-Walk. In the past, when the run started and ended at Two Strike Park, runners traveled through the streets of La Crescenta beginning and ending at the park’s parking lot. But running along the streets has become more dangerous, so the Chamber looked for a safer course. Working with the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Dept., the Chamber is having the run on a cross-country course that begins, and ends, at the park area formerly known as the Hindenburg Park, now CV Regional Park. It is the area near the CV dog park and community room.

Runners, and walkers, are encouraged to wear costumes since it is so close to Halloween. The run will be cross-country style, held on a dirt path as opposed to the previous street run.

Returning athletes will find several things that will be the same as previous 5Ks the chamber has hosted. Linda Taix and her staff from Taix Workout Studio in La Cañada will start the runners/walkers by leading stretching exercises prior to the run. There will be oranges and water for the runners. Event shirts will be given to those who pre-registered; T-shirts will be distributed on a first come basis for those registering the day of the event. There will also be a special Kids Pumpkin Fun Run for the younger runners that is free for all participants. There will be a total of seven categories of competition open to all ages.

The entry fee for the run/walk is $35. With each entry paid, $5 will be donated to the school of the runner’s choice. The school with the most participants receives $200 and a trophy, said Jean Maluccio, CVCOC board member. A portion of the funds raised from the 5K Run-Walk goes toward the many events hosted by the chamber including the chamber’s scholarship program.

Running Under the Oaks is on Saturday, Oct. 27. Sign-up is at 7 a.m. and the run begins at 8 a.m. To register or for more information, visit crescentavalleychamber.org or call (818) 248-4957.

After Running Under the Oaks, participants may feel a little hungry. There will be a pancake breakfast at the American Legion Post 288, 4011 La Crescenta Ave., sponsored by the Boy Scouts Post 288. Runners/walkers are invited to stop by to enjoy some pancakes and support the Boy Scouts.