Valley Center Trails Association’s 5k at the Western Days Parade
WHEN:
June 1, 2024
7:00AM same-day registration
8:00AM plan to arrive before the roads close
8:15AM warm up with CrossFit Valley Center
8:30AM roads close, and 5k will start shortly after
9:30AM Kids 12 and under ½ mile fun run starts
9:45AM winners announced
WHERE:
Start and finish near the Community Center at Valley Center Road and Lilac Road. The roads close at 8:30 for the parade, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive and park well before 8:30! Parking is available across from the Community Center on Lilac.
ROUTE:
The route is an out-and-back along the entire parade route between the Community Center and School Bus Lane (on Cole Grade). There is a one-hour cut-off time for race participants. There is one water/Gatorade station at the intersection of Valley Center Road and Indian Creek Road. Participants pass the drink station on the way out and again on the way back.
REGISTRATION:
Register by May 10, 2024 to ensure you receive your preferred t-shirt size. For non-members of VCTA (and also past members who have yet to renew for 2024), the registration fee will include membership to VCTA for the remainder of 2024. Current VCTA members get discounted rate.
Registration includes:
Race entry
Race bib
Event t-shirt
Water/snacks at event
This year, plan for the 5k to be officially TIMED
Age division winners will be announced at the conclusion of the event
Special gift for first 50 participants to complete the register form & pay the registration fee!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Link to Registration Form: Please complete form online.
After you register, you will be directed to PayPal. The link can also be found Here.
REGISTRATION FEES:
$25 for members (13 and up on race day)
$30 for nonmembers (13 and up on race day)
$15 for children ages 12 and under on race day
PARADE:
Return to the parade staging area on Cole Grade after the 5k event so you can walk in VCTA’s parade entry! You can walk or take a shuttle. There is also plenty of space along Heritage Trail between Lilac and Cole Grade for folks wishing to watch the parade after the 5k event.
PACKET PICKUP:
We will have packets (bibs, event t-shirts, etc.) available for pick-up at the Western Days Festival across the street from the community center (28246 Lilac Road) at two different times. This is also the same place you'll park for the 5k event.
May 31 from 5PM - 7PM or
June 1 from 7AM - 8:20AM
If you are not attending the event in person, please reach out so we can arrange to get your packet to you!
Waivers
Each event participant gets to sign not just one but TWO event waivers. Both are provided at the packet pickup and online prior to the event. You may print them and bring them to the event, and we'll also have plenty of copies available on site. Participants under 18 will need a parent/guardian to sign. Please reach out if you have any questions.
To print both waivers. Thank you!
County of San Diego Athlete Waiver
Valley Center Trails 5K Waiver
What to Expect June 1
Parking will be available near the Western Days Festival site across from the community center. We will be present with packets for pick up, waivers, and any day-of registrations. The roads close for the parade at 8:30, at which point we'll do a warm up with CrossFit Valley Center and then begin our 5k! The 5k route takes us up Valley Center Road to Cole Grade, with a turn around at School Bus Lane. We have an hour to complete the event, and so if you haven't made it to the turnaround point after a half hour, then you can either turn around wherever you are to get back to the finish or you can continue to School Bus Lane parade staging area and walk back in the parade with VCTA. Someone will be out on the 5k route to remind you of your options when the time comes!
Water and snacks will be available at the finish. You'll be hungry after smelling the Rotary pancake breakfast along the route...perhaps you'll decide to make your way to the pancake breakfast after the 5k... Participants of the 5k might want to stick around for the kids’ fun run (estimated start time of 9:30AM) to cheer on our youngest runners.
All are welcome and encouraged to stay for the Western Days parade after the 5k. If you haven't been before, it really is a fun parade!! For those (like me!) who plan to walk in the parade with VCTA, the staging area for the parade is back on Cole Grade. You can walk or take a shuttle back to the staging area.
FAQs
Q: Can I participate virtually? (Translation: Can I register for the 5k just for the swag, even if I don't attend the 5k?)
A: Yes! Even if you're out of town on June 1 or already working your tail off at Western Days, you can still sign up and get the 5k benefits!! Your membership will be renewed, AND you get a cool shirt. Register soon to be one of the first 50 to register and receive a special gift. What better way to represent Valley Center and VC Trails than sporting a cool t-shirt out on the trails? If you can't attend the scheduled pick-ups for the shirts on May 31 or June 1, just reach out to arrange pick up, delivery, or mail. I'll get you your stuff, don't worry. I want us to match on our next hike together.
Q: How long do I have to register?
A: You can register all the way until June 1 the morning of the event. We won't turn you away! However, if you want to guarantee that you'll receive your shirt at the event, register by May 10. (We do appreciate early registrations, though!)
Q: I want to register but simply can't afford it...can I just come to run/walk?
A: Please do not let cost keep you from this event!! We have sponsors willing to support our community so it's an all-inclusive event. Email Hannah at infovcta@gmail.com.