Six Flags Magic Mountain and its thrill-seeker mascot, Mr. Six, are inviting runners of all ages and ability levels to the Valencia theme park on Sunday, Oct. 3, for a special benefit 5K Race and 1K Kids-Grandparents Walk co-produced by the SCV Senior Center Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of the SCV.

“This is an awesome opportunity for everyone to enjoy the rare chance to run through Magic Mountain, then stay and play for the rest of the day,” said John Oakes, the 5K/1K committee chairman and vice president of human resources for Boston Scientific. “The proceeds benefit two great local nonprofit organizations, and there will be tons of excitement for everyone, whether you’re a serious runner or you’re just looking for some exercise and a fun time at Magic Mountain with your kids and grandkids.”

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Race registration fees include free parking on race day (a $15 value), plus a coupon for a reduced $24.99 admission to Magic Mountain, better than any published price. The discount pass is valid on any Magic Mountain operating day in 2010, including race day.

Runners will have the chance to meet Allyson Felix, an Olympic gold medalist and world champion runner who will serve as the guest host on race day. The first 500 pre-registered runners will receive race T-shirts, and prizes will be offered three deep in each age group. The 1K walk, which is geared toward kids and grandparents, but open to everyone, begins at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K Race begins at 8 a.m. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m.

Discounted registration fees are being offered to those who sign up early. For the 5K, entry fees are $14.99 by Sept. 10, $19.99 from Sept. 11 to Sept. 29, and $24.99 on race day. Entry fees for the 1K are $9.99 by Sept. 10, $14.99 from Sept. 11 to 29, and $19.99 on race day.

“We’re so grateful for the cooperation of Magic Mountain — and, of course, Mr. Six — and our partners at the Kiwanis Club,” said Patti Rasmussen, president of the SCV Senior Center Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Senior Center. “This event is a total team effort, and we’re thankful that this event will be both fun and competitive while helping us improve the quality of life for local seniors in need.”

Bob Glen of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Clarita said the event has a rich history.

“The Kiwanis Club is proud to partner with the Senior Center Foundation on this exciting event,” Glen said. “This run historically has been an important part of our organization’s community service efforts, and thanks to the continuous support of Six Flags, 2010 marks the run’s 19th year.”

Rasmussen said a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses. “We’re encouraging all of our community-minded business leaders to not only support this great event, but also come out to Magic Mountain with us and get in on the fun!”

You can sign up for the 5K Run or the 1K Walk by downloading an official entry form from the Senior Center Foundation’s website, www.scvseniorfoundation.org. You can also sign up online by visiting www.active.com, and entering the Event ID code: 1874588.

Additional information is available by calling the Senior Center at 661-259-9444, ext. 151, or by e-mail to: info@scvseniorfoundation.org.