The Town of Castaic will be giving folks the run around this Sunday. They’ll also be giving them pancakes.

This Sunday May 22 the 15^th Annual “Run Around the Lake” Castaic 1K/5K & 10 Mile starts at 8 a.m. sharp.

Organizers describe the 5K event as a beautiful scenic jog that takes you through the lower lake area. But the 10-mile run is a “hard core deal,” according to Town Council President Scott Wardle.

“It’s the 10-mile dam run. You can imagine getting from the level of the lower lake to the elevation of running across the dam, there’s some hills out there.”

Although it’s billed as a community event, the “Run Around the Lake” attracts runners from outside the Santa Clarita Valley. One reason is the unusual occurrence of a 10-mile distance, the other is the unique availability of the dam.

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“Following 9/11, access to the dam was restricted for security reasons and this event gives people the opportunity run along that section. I have been up there and the views from the dam are spectacular,” Wardle said.

However, the event isn’t just for adults. For children there is The Kids 1K Fun Run.”

The course covers some of the adult run and is relatively flat.

Last year in an effort to boost attendance Town Council Member Flo Lawrence had the idea of registering kids through the schools and have them benefit from the largesse.

Town Council President Scott Wardle called Lawrence’s idea “amazing”:

“Because the schools are also hurting for money let’s include them in the fundraising piece and we will donate back to the Castaic area schools.”

Three elementary schools and one middle school split $2,500.

North Lake Elementary had 98 of the 250 students who participated last year..

All children who participate in the 1K Kids Fun Run will receive a medal acknowledging their achievement. Children age 5 and under need to be accompanied by an adult.

Specially designed awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in the 5K in each age category.

The Castaic Lions Club will be cooking up a free pancake breakfast for all race participants.

“The Lions Club is terrific. We have a lot of raving fans of the pancake breakfast immediately following the event,” Wardle said.

Race Day Registration will begin at 6:30a.m. Kids 1K registration closes at 7:45 AM and 10 mile/5K registration closes at 8:00 a.m. sharp.

The 1K Kids Fun Run starts at 8:00 a.m. and the 10 mile run/5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m.

Races will start on time and will be run rain or shine. No refunds.

For registration costs and event information click here.