Run the Beast and Feed the Hungry

Brought to you by: The Master’s University and Children’s Hunger Fund
What: The Master’s University & Children’s Hunger Fund (CHF) are teaming up to collect non-perishable food for packing CHF “Food Paks”. CHF is a local organization dedicated to delivering food and the gospel to children in need. Participants are invited to donate non-perishable items (see list below) and run/walk/hike the Beast to raise awareness and food for hungry children.

When: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM* Saturday, January 21, 2023  *Participants are welcome to come any time between 7:30 - 10:00, but the run begins at 7:30 and food donations may not be accepted after 10:00. 

Location: “The Beast” (AKA Elsmere Canyon) Trailhead Whitney Canyon Park, Parking lot, 20303 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91321

Course: The trail is 100% dirt and approximately 4.8 miles to the very top, with approximately 2000 feet of elevation gain. Participants are welcome to run or hike ANY portion of the trail, there is no requirement to go all the way to the top. However, if you do make it to the top, there is an outstanding view of the Santa Clarita/Newhall area! Additionally, there is a pile of rocks at the very top signed by previous runners/hikers/bikers who have conquered The Beast. There will be a sharpie at the top if you wish to leave your mark!

Parking: There is free parking at the Park and Ride at the base of the Elsmere Canyon Trail near the trailhead.

Restrooms: There will be two portable toilets located near the trailhead.

Entry: The ENTRY FEE is not required if a food donation is brought, but participants that register will receive a free t-shirt for supporting CHF.

Deadline: Registration ends January 16, 2023 at 11:59pm PST

Weather: The hike is often very cold in January, especially as you near the top. Come prepared for cold weather running!

Shirts: Participants that register by Christmas will receive a free RUN THE BEAST AND FEED THE HUNGRY t-shirt. This is a thank you for those who support this cause, and a way to get word out so that this event may grow in future years!

Records: This is NOT a race. However, if you have a competitive spirit, feel free to GPS your run all the way to the top. The Master’s University Cross Country team will begin the run at the 7:30 start time. Anyone who times their run from our start line all the way to touching the fence at the top without pausing will be placed on our event record list. We hope to continue to bring this event to you every year, so this is your opportunity to get in the record books early.

*Food List: Each Food Pak includes: Package of spaghetti (16oz) Can of tomato sauce (15oz) Can of vegetables (15oz) Can of black or pinto beans (15oz) Can of tuna (5oz) 3 Gummy fruit snacks (1.5oz ea.) 3 Boxes of raisins (1oz ea.) 2 Fruit/applesauce squeeze pouches (3.2oz ea.) 4 Breakfast/cereal bars (1.3oz ea.) 3 Peanut Butter to-go cups (1oz ea.) 2 Pouches of cookies or crackers (1oz ea.) *Any donations are appreciated, but if at all possible please pay attention to the specified amounts in the parenthesis above. This makes it easier to evenly pack the Food Paks. - There is no minimum donation to participate.