From eight to 80 – and every age in between – they arrive and sign-up for their official race wristbands.  Some will do a vigorous set of warm-ups.  For others just walking from the stadium sign-up to the start that stretches across the baseball field, prepares them perfectly.  Slowly, the milling mass of over 600 settles to a long, taut line.  The starter’s pistol pops and they’re off!
Every Thursday night throughout July and three weeks into August at 7 pm, this ritual repeats itself on the campus of The College of the Canyons at Valencia Boulevard and Rockwell Canyon Road just off the 5 freeway.  Runners Lane is proud to help sponsor this community tradition that contributes funds to fuel the Cross-Country and Track & Field programs at the college.
The race is three miles long and winds throughout the campus.  Friends, families and coaches of the runners make up a roaming gallery of spectators that cheer the racers along.  The runners exit the campus just before the one-mile mark, funneling out over rolling hills and through majestic oak trees.  Finally, the racers return for a partial lap around the track to a finish line in the stadium where all the spectators gather back.
The importance of this race series continues to grow and attract runners from all over Southern California.  Many high school and college teams have made these races part of their summer training programs.  However, the COC summer series continues to be the ongoing tradition at the core of the Santa Clarita Valley running community.
If you haven’t run the COC summer series before, Runners Lane invites you to join a race series with a real heart and soul.  If you are not ready to race but just want to witness this event and cheer your neighbors along, please do.  It’s truly amazing to watch.
The entry fee is just $5 for each three-mile race or $25 for the series ticket.  Entry fee for the finals on August 16, including a post-race In ‘N Out burger meal, is $15.  Age Divisions: Male and Female - 10 and under, 11 to 13, 14 to 17, 18 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70-plus.
For more information call Flo Mina with Runners Lane at 661-260-3368.