Over 1,000 runners gathered at Newhall Park in Santa Clarita Saturday morning for the 33rd annual Independence Day Classic.

The Independence Day Classic included a 5K, 10K, Kid’s K and a Non-Competitive Walk.

Santa Clarita Runners have organized the Independence Day Classic every year, this year is the 33rd race.

All proceeds from the race went to benefit the Cross Country teams of each of the six Santa Clarita Valley High Schools as well as other charities.

“Last year we gave (the schools) about $18,000 in total,” said Carl Pantoja, the race director. “They’re helping us too by volunteering at different parts of the course, like giving out water, and also helping us with registration.”

Pantoja has been race director for the past seven years, “every year we have more and more people, we’re very excited.”

The 5K and 10K routes were both flat and paved out. The 5K route went on the Santa Clarita parade route and the 10K went along the South Fork trail.

Some runners ran both the 5K and 10K, according to Pantoja.

John Gilbertson, 24, of Saugus, won the 5K overall with a time of 15 minutes and 16 seconds, about 4 minutes and 55 seconds per mile.

Travis Cetti, 17, of Palmdale, won the 10K overall with a time of 34 minutes and 17 seconds, about 5 minutes and 31 seconds per mile.

All Kid’s K participants receive a finishing medal.

Founded in 1980, the Santa Clarita Runners is one of the premier fitness organizations in the Santa Clarita Valley. There are over 200 members which include runners of all skill levels from beginning and returning runners, to local competitors, elite runners, and even world record holders.