As the sun set over Santa Clarita Saturday night, hundreds of local volunteers joined together for the annual Be The Light 5K in support of youth recovery from addiction.

Each year, Santa Clarita runners and walkers come together, flashlights in hand, to offer a beacon of light for youth in recovery “showing them that we are here for them and together we can make a positive impact on their lives.”

“Our theme was Bringing Light into the Darkness of Addiction,” said Tim Traurig, founder of A Light of Hope. “We had glow sticks, neon shirts, flashlights and even built light-up tunnels to run through for a chance to bring the community together.”

Starting from West Creek Park and throughout the San Francisquito Creek Trail at dusk, the beams of light demonstrated a visual of community support and solidarity, according to volunteers.

“Young people in recovery—along with moms, dads and siblings— witnessed this powerful reminder that they are not alone,” according to Be The Light officials.

Over 500 participants participated in the 2021 Be The Light 5K, ranging from serious distance runners to families looking for a fun evening with a deeper message, according to Traurig.

“We’re taking a stand against the devastation caused by youth substance abuse and other self-destructive behaviors by raising much-needed funds to support the work of A Light of Hope in our community,” read a statement from Be The Light.

The annual Be The Light 5K usually sees up to a thousand participants, but took a dip since last year’s cancellation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Traurig.

To join the waitlist for next year’s event, click here.

A portion of the proceeds made during the event have been set aside for A Light of Hope, a Santa Clarita non-profit aiming to inspire, encourage, support and celebrate personal growth and spiritual development for families, youth, and young adults in recovery from addiction, according to A Light of Hope officials.

A Light of Hope Support Center, Inc. is a Santa Clarita-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing healing and freedom for youth 14-26 years of age, according to a statement from Be The Light.

While there is an emphasis on substance abuse and addiction, help is offered for a wide range of life challenges faced by teens and young adults (e.g., eating disorders, cutting, depression).

The non-profit offers support-group and counseling options to serve the individual needs of each member and family.

To learn more or get involved in A Light of Hope, click here.

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