Be the Light, a charity run held for the fourth year in a row, saw over 1,000 individuals come to support the cause, with race participants running or walking to contribute to A Light of Hope.

Adorning glow sticks, light up bracelets and reflective materials, Santa Clarita residents participated in either 5k or 10k races in support of A Light of Hope, a local organization that conducts family counseling and assists youth in finding non-destructive group activities to participate in.

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“The funds raised here are used for youth substance abuse, addiction counseling and support groups,” said Mark Montoya, event coordinator for A Light of Hope. “We also support families of young addicts as well.

Race participants congregated in West Creek Park and ran or walked into the night, lighting up their path with their glow stick jewelry.

Spectators waiting for the beginning of Light the Night to begin. Photo by Mauricio La Plante

“I think people realize it’s important to heal a community,” said Matthew Boyles, 2nd place finisher in the 10k race. “If you have faith in your own city, and want it to keep getting better every year, you see movements like this that are working.”

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The event hoped to raise between $15,000 and $20,000 to support the programs assisting the disadvantaged families and those young people dealing with substance abuse issues.

“You see people getting clean and sober and changing their lives from this kind of stuff,” said Boyles.

For more information about Be the Light or A Light of Hope visit their website here.

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