San Fernando

The city of San Fernando will hold a 5K run this summer to raise money for youth services.

“Our department has a lot of programs we have to charge for,” said Ed Montan, director of the city’s recreation and community services department. “Some kids can afford them, and some cannot, so we hope the 5K will become an annual fund-raiser to set up scholarships for kids to get into activities” such as roller hockey, swimming or karate classes, Montan said.

The race, tentatively scheduled for July 6, would raise money from entry fees charged to runners, Montan said.

Some runners may also seek sponsors, he said.

The first race ever organized by the city was held in the late 1980s, according to Louis Martinez, 60, a former San Fernando resident and member of the San Fernando Valley Road Runners Club.

“There were a few problems,” Martinez said. “The course they had laid out crossed the train tracks, and a long train of box cars came through during the middle of the race.”

This year, Montan said, the planned course will avoid the train tracks, starting in the downtown area and proceeding down Brand Boulevard to San Fernando Mission and back, he said.

The city is seeking runners, sponsors and volunteers to help organize the race.

For information, call the recreation department at (818) 898-1290.