Article and Photos by Brianna Rowlen
On Saturday, November 10th, 2018, the 3rd annual 5K and Fun Run was held at Skypark at Santa’s Village. This event is held on Veterans Day weekend and benefits the Travis Mills Foundation, which is a foundation similar to Wounded Warriors. The local girl scout troop, 768, has been present at every event for pre-registration and the handing out of all medals. Nearly 200 Runners from across Southern California were present to participate in the run, from Hesperia to Simi Valley, they arrived to run in 42 degree weather.
Cyndee Albertson, a marathon runner with races completed in 20 different states, brought her 10 year old niece, Yarina Owens, and her 11 year old nephew, Beleg Owens. This is the second year that they have participated in this 5K. She said, “I love how this races takes you up and down this hills, and through the woods, and it is very well organized.”
Jack De La Rionda, a 15 year old cross country runner from Royal High School in Simi Valley remarked, “I have run between 40 and 50 cross country 5K races, including Mount Sac, and this is the most challenging course I’ve ever done.” Skypark at Santa’s Village has designed it specifically to be a difficult course, because it is to honor the veterans who have served our country. This is the second year that Jack has run this 5K, however, this year he brought his friend and teammate Angus Fitzgerald who ended up overtaking him on the course.
In the women’s overall, 1st place was taken by Lizeth de Paz, 2nd place went to Krystal Garcia, and rounding out 3rd place was Ayleen Flores.
In the men’s overall, 1st place was earned by Angus Fitzgerald, 2nd place was taken by Jack De La Rionda, and finishing in 3rd place was John Stehmeier.
Although athletes were honored in categories from 14 and under to 70 plus, the feeling at the event was not about winning or losing, it was the experience and camaraderie amongst runners. Jeanetta Ringhofer, a lifetime resident of the mountain said with a laugh, “My goal was to be the fastest runner with my exact birth date.” This is the sentiment shared by many, on the trail you’re really competing against yourself.
After the 5K was completed, 30-40 kids competed in what is called the fun run across the meadow lands in front of Skypark. Their course is slightly under a half a mile. The kids crossed the finish line with smiles and giggles to their receive their medals.
The next event that Skypark at Santa’s Village is hoping to host is in the spring, it would benefit a local area charity called “Christmas in April” which is similar to Habitat for Humanity. However Chad Barnes, the director of retail at, Skypark said “We would need to find more community support and involvement to achieve the organization for that event.”
This article brought to you by Mountains Community Hospital.