Residents hiked the trails of College of the Canyons all while being doused with purple powder and water coloring Saturday for the fifth annual Purple Walk of Strength 2016 for the Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley.

As October is Domestic Violence month, and purple being the color that represents domestic violence, the DVC of Santa Clarita hosts their annual walk every year in the hopes of spreading awareness as well as raising donations to support the Domestic Violence Center’s services.

Hundreds of students, families and athletes were out to promote the cause by participating in the 5k run/walk and were all awarded with medals by the end of the race after being “purpled” by DVC volunteers throughout the trail.

“It’s really nice to see all you guys out here,” said Capt. Roosevelt Johnson of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. “And all of us out here in an environment where domestic violence normally gets a negative stigma.”

By the end of the race, raffle winners were announced and some lucky participants got to go home with a number of prizes, such as a Remo drum, a gift certificate to the Valencia Country Club, and a $100 gift card.

“We’re out here to have fun,” said Capt. Johnson just before runners and walkers took their marks. “And show that we can support this very worthy cause as well as making sure what we can do to try and put a halt to domestic violence in this valley.”

For more information on the Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita Valley and any future events, click here.