To all fellow runners, Running Organizations and hikers :

By now you all have probably heard the economic and budget crisis are resulting in the proposed closure of hundreds of state parks in California, including possibly all parks in the Santa Monica Mountains.

In order to raise public awareness about the seriousness of this issue and to make it clear to Sacramento that huge numbers of residents all over California use and enjoy these trails and oppose the closing of the parks. We, the Trail Runners Club, are holding a special event in Will Rogers State Park this Sunday, June 21st.

We will be hosting a rally and run/hike starting at 7:00 a.m., with refreshments following the run. All runners and hikers are encouraged to attend, and to invite family and friends who support the cause. We are inviting all the running clubs in Southern California that we are aware of, and we have had a very enthusiastic response so far!

There is no fee for this event… we just ask you to send this to your members and friends along with the attached Application/Waiver with instructions to fill it out before arriving and turn it in to one of our volunteers. There may be a long line of cars waiting to get in so please have $8 even so the ranger doesn’t need to make  change and slow down the entry process.

Event Schedule:

7:00 a.m. All participants will meet at Will Rogers State Park off Sunset Blvd to gather, rally, and hear public speakers on the imminent park closings. Look for us on the lawn adjoining the Rogers house.

7:30 – 7:45 a.m. Run and hike begin. The run/hike will be a two-hour out and back course, with runners turning back after one hour on the course, to ensure everyone is back in time for refreshments.

9:30 a.m. Refreshments organized by the Trail Runners Club’s best and most famous refreshment provider, Tomas Rohr.

Parking: Due to a polo match scheduled for Sunday morning, there will be a limited number of parking spots in Will Rogers State Park. There is parking on Amalfi Drive, the first block east of the Park or on Iliff street, the first block west of the park. We recommend parking on one of these streets and carpooling from there. …If at all possible, please carpool to the event. If you can’t carpool don’t let that stop you from coming.  Parking is $8.00. Please have an even $8 so as not to slow down entering the park.

Anyone with public speaking experience who would like to speak please contact Stan at  stan@trailrunnersclub.com.  Please consider making a sign to express your love for the trails and parks, and your opposition to closing them….and wear something green.

Let’s get out there and have a great time!