PARKWAY

Parkway Supercenter is once again the title sponsor of Sunday's Santa Clarita Marathon. In business in the community for 16 years, the group of local auto dealerships has been the title sponsor of the series of races since 2000.

"We missed in 2005 when the marathon was canceled because of the fires," said Michael Roth, executive manager of Parkway Infinity. "So, we feel fortunate to have it going this year.

"We came very close this time, but made it because of the great work of the firefighters," Roth said.

Roth explained that Parkway Supercenter is often approached to sponsor sporting events, but the marathon is special because it has the broadest appeal.

With the marathon, half-marathon, 5K Run/Walk and Kid K Fun Run, "Everyone can participate at some level in the events," he said. "It's a way to give back to the community and involve as many people as possible, of all ages. You don't have to be an athlete to participate. Everybody can walk a 5K."

Roth noted that 75 percent of Parkway employees live in the SCV and a number of them will be running or walking in the marathon events. In fact, his wife, Keitha Roth, has run the local marathon several times. She will participate in the half-marathon this year.

He said that participating in the marathon - or training for it - allows people to make use of the trails and paseos in Santa Clarita, and see a beautiful side of the city that they wouldn't otherwise.

"It's nice to see this valley on foot. Although we're in the business of putting people in vehicles, we encourage people to get out and walk the paseos," he said.

Parkway will have a display at the Fitness Expo, which will be held today at the Hyatt Valencia.

"It's a nice place for the participants to meet before the race," Roth said.

And the finish line on Sunday is also a fun place to be.

"Even if you're not actually running or participating, it's fun to show up at the finish line - or spend a half-hour cheering the runners along the route," he said.