GREAT RUNNING DAY; MOTHER NATURE COOPERATES WITH MARATHON ORGANIZERS.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

Despite overnight showers and cool temperatures, more than 600 runners took to the streets of the Santa Clarita Valley on Sunday for the fourth annual Santa Clarita Marathon.

While Southern California weather typically provides fairly warm conditions, Mother Nature provided her own cool challenge for the 26.2-mile course which wound through the communities of Santa Clarita, Newhall and Valencia.

``The rain last night just cleaned up the air and cleared the roads,'' said Paul Vernier, operations chairman for the Santa Clarita Marathon. ``It's a beautiful day for running.''

While race organizers thanked Mother Nature, runners had mixed feeling about the day's conditions.

``I feel wiped out,'' said Brian Spangenberg, 34, of Saugus, who placed second with a time of 2 hours, 38 minutes, 38 seconds. ``It was so windy.''

Spangenberg, a member of the Santa Clarita Runners, who organize the annual event, placed sixth last year. He pulled a hamstring in the final 100 yards and said he was happy to place.

East L.A. resident Francisco Olid, 21, took first place with a running time of 2:29:40.

Chuck Teixeira, 39, of Canyon Country found the weather a relief. ``It's about time we got a break from the heat,'' he said. ``This is great.''

While Teixeira has placed within the top three each year of the marathon, including winning first place last year, he said he hadn't been training for the past six months.

``Maybe next year I'll be second or better,'' he said. ``I hope to focus on my training.''

The National Weather Service estimated Sunday's temperatures between 8 a.m. and noon at 62 degrees. Race officials estimated last year's temperature at approximately 80 degrees.

This year's race attracted a variety of participants, including nine visitors from such foreign countries as Sweden, Germany, Canada and Mexico.

``We had more this year from the international circuit,'' said Vernier.

While 15 percent of runners were from the Santa Clarita Valley, 20 were from other states, including Alaska, New York and Michigan. The marathoner's youngest entrant was a 17-year-old South Gate boy, while 27 runners were age 60 and older.

Also entered in the race was a 50-year-old blind woman who ran with a guide, a family of five brothers, a wheelchair participant and an in-line skater.

Since he suffers from a debilitating disease, a special arrangement was made to allow the in-line skater, who petitioned the race committee to participate.

``He can't run, but he can Rollerblade,'' said Phil Harris, finish line coordinator. ``He got an OK from his doctor and then sent a letter to us.''

There were more than 1,000 volunteers from school and church groups and radio clubs, who manned water booths and cheered on passing runners and helped with the organization of the event.

``It's like we had to turn people away,'' said Harris, adding that the volunteer groups participate in spirit and attendance contests. ``It's like a party out there.''

The day's event also provided a 5K Fun Run and Walk and a 1K run for children.

At the start of the race, officials said that 630 people had registered for the Marathon, 396 entered the 5K run and walk and 200 to 300 kids competed in the children's event.

The only wheelchair entrant was the first to cross the marathon finish line.

``This race is fun and fast,'' said Randy Caddell, of Santa Cruz. ``I just try and do as many races as I can.''

The weekend race will make this the fifth race that Caddell has competed in this year, including three within the past month, with New York City last weekend and the Silicon Valley race the weekend before that.

Although Caddell finished in a competitive time, he said his time was somewhat delayed after he struck a pedestrian who ran out in front of him near the 10-mile mark.

``Someone ran in front of me and I hit them,'' said Caddell. ``I'm fine, but my bike was injured. I stopped three times to fix it. It must have slowed my time by about ten minutes.''

``This is my way of exposing the fact that people have difficulties and injuries and still can get the job done,'' said Caddell, 31.

SANTA CLARITA MARATHON WINNERS

Overall Winners

1. Francisco Olid, 21, East Los Angeles - 2:29:40

2. Brian Spangenberg, 34, Saugus - 2:38:38

3. Chuck Teixeira, 39, Canyon Country - 2:41:28

4. Jesus Mercado, 23, Palmdale - 2:43:20

5. Dan Goldstein, 34, Thousand Oaks - 2:45:56

6. Gustavo Mercado, 29, Palmdale - 2:47:14

7. Paul Anderson, 35, Bakersfield - 2:47:43

8. Troy Monges, 35, Downey - 2:52:46

9. Gary Cohen, 41, Valley Village - 2:55:28

10. Brian King, 41, Dana Point - 2:59:10

Female Winners

1. Anne Barrett, 29, Los Angeles - 3:21:57

2. Cindi Haberman, 38, San Diego - 3:24:00

3. Diva Briscoe-Burns, 30, Temple City - 3:26:03

4. Julie Shreckengast, 35, La Canada - 3:32:19

5. Jennifer Ohlson, 28, Bakersfield - 3:33:01

6. Tracy Dimino, 27, Ramona - 3:33:12

7. Lisa Normoyle, 36, Rockford, Ill. - 3:34:44

8. Stacey Mark, 42, Denver, Col. -3:35:26

9. Cheryl Beckwith, 49, Denver, Col. - 3:35:26

10. Tricia Simpson, 37, Bakersfield - 3:35:50

Wheelchair Winner

1. Randy Caddell, 31, Santa Cruz

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos, Box

PHOTO (1-2--Color) (Ran in SAC Edition only) With a winning time of 2:29:40, Francisco Olid of East Los Angeles, above, is the first runner to cross the finish line Sunday at the Santa Clarita Marathon. More than 600 runners took part in the event. At left, runners make their way from the starting line in Canyon Country.

(3) (Ran in SAC Edition only) Children run in a 1K race during the Santa Clarita Marathon on Sunday. Officials said that 630 people had registered for the marathon, 396 entered the 5K Fun Run and Walk, and 200 to 300 kids competed in the children's event.

Tom Mendoza/Daily News

BOX: SANTA CLARITA MARATHON WINNERS (See text)