Why We Ride and Run
The Story Behind Finish The Ride and Run Santa Clarita
In February 2013, Damian Kevitt’s life changed forever. While cycling in Griffith Park, he was struck by a hit-and-run driver who dragged him nearly a quarter of a mile onto and down the 5 freeway. Against all odds, Damian survived, but he lost his right leg and nearly his life.
As he recovered, Damian made a promise: not only would he finish the ride he started that day, but he would dedicate his life to making streets safer for everyone. That promise became Finish The Ride—a movement that turned tragedy into purpose, pain into momentum, and individual courage into community action.
From One Ride to a Statewide Movement
What began as a gathering of friends and cyclists determined to help Damian “finish the ride” has grown into one of California’s most recognized road safety movements. The first event drew hundreds of riders and survivors who shared one goal: to make sure what happened to Damian never happens again.
Over the years, Finish The Ride evolved and added Finish The Run, expanding its reach to walkers, runners, skaters, and families who believe in reclaiming our streets for everyone. It’s not just about the finish line; it’s about a shared vision for safer, cleaner, more connected communities.
Today, Finish The Ride and Run events are held annually in Griffith Park and Santa Clarita under the mantra “Never Give Up”.
It is a movement for safer roads across California
Why We Ride and Run in Santa Clarita
As with our original Finish The Ride event in Griffith Park, there’s a story behind why we also have an event in Santa Clarita beyond just having the most amazing cycling paths. The first Finish The Ride and Run event in Santa Clarita was started in partnership with another amputee named Kevin Korenthal, who had a nonprofit helping trauma survivors to get active again. Kevin lived in Santa Clarita and wanted to do a joint fundraiser using the great paths of Santa Clarita. And thus, Finish The Ride and Run Santa Clarita was born.
Kevin later merged his nonprofit with SAFE and has since moved to Texas, but the event he helped start lives on and has now grown to one of the best cycling and running events in the area.
The Experience
Finish The Ride and Run Santa Clarita offers multiple distances
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to enjoy the day, you’ll be surrounded by people who share a passion for safe streets and active living.
Expect energy, music, some Halloween fun, and community—the kind that turns an ordinary Sunday into something unforgettable. You’ll meet everyone—from experienced cyclists and runners to survivors who found healing in advocacy, families riding together for the first time, and volunteers who make every finish line possible.
And yes, there will be medals, cheers, and that rush of adrenaline as you cross the line knowing you’re part of something bigger.
The Cause That Keeps Us Going
Every Finish The Ride and Run event funds programs that fight for safer roads, cleaner air, and stronger communities. It supports programs such as SAFE Support, the first support system for victims of traffic violence and their families; Streets, Art, SAFE, a free high school program that educates youth through the arts; working with policymakers to enact sensible road-safety laws; and grassroots advocacy in communities across California.
Because when we ride and run together, we’re not just participants—we’re advocates.
Join the Movement
Ten years after that hit-and-run, Damian still rides. Not just for himself, but for every life touched by traffic violence, and for every person who believes our streets can be better.
This October 26, join Finish The Ride & Finish The Run Santa Clarita. Bring your energy, your running shoes, your helmet, and your hope. Let’s show that Southern California stands united for safer, more livable streets for all.
Register now at bit.ly/Register_FTR_SC
