Paramount Ranch was the site of many beloved film classics and TV series, including Westworld, The X-Files, Beau Geste, A Farewell to Arms, Helter Skelter, Dr. Quinn-Medicine Woman, The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, and Perry Mason episodes, among many others.
The 2700 acre property was purchased by Paramount Pictures in 1927 for that express purpose (a “movie ranch”) and was acquired by the National Park Service (NPS) in 1982. It became a tourist and community destination featuring hiking trails and the famed old western town, which remained an active cinematic resource. Sadly, the ranch was devastated by the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which burned 88% of NPS land in Santa Monica.
Fleet Feet of Agoura Hills and The Future Track Running Pack are hosting a summer race series to benefit efforts to restore the historic ranch buildings that were lost in the fire. The reconstructive initiative, projected to cost $12 million, is headed by the NPS and aims to rebuild four structures, replace critical infrastructure, improve the parking lot, and install fire suppression systems. All replaced structures will meet the 2018 International Wildland Urban Interface Code. The Santa Monica Mountains Fund has pledged to raise $2 million for the project. Funds raised by the race series will contribute to that fund. The federal government will match all donations to the campaign up to $500,000.
Long-time residents and runners in the Conejo Valley will recall the Paramount Ranch running series in times past that brought together runners of all ages throughout the Conejo Valley. This series aims also to recapture that enthusiasm and sense of community. A 5K and kiddie 1K will be held on three consecutive Thursday evenings in July: 13, 20, and 27 at 6 pm, with on-line registration available on June 1 (5K $10, 1K free, 5K series $25).
Register at runsignup.com/Race/CA/AgouraHills/RunForTheParamountRanch.
Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills.
