Cinco de Mayo Trail Run is May 5

The Cinco de Mayo Trail Run returns May 5 at Lake Poway.

This popular event includes a 10K and 5K race, as well as a fun children’s race, for runners of all ages and skill levels.

The race benefits the Valley Elementary Educational Foundation, raising money for Valley Elementary School in Poway. More than 50 percent of students at Valley Elementary come from socioeconomically disadvantaged homes and participate in the school’s free lunch program, a rate that is more than 200 percent higher than district average, according the race website. The money raised by the race gives “all kids equal access and opportunity to the school supplies, technology tools, and enrichment activities needed to build a foundation for lifelong success,” the website says.

The race draws more than 1,200 people each year from throughout San Diego County and Southern California.

The Kathy Crafts Young Memorial Kids Race is a noncompetitive one-third mile run for children who are not yet ready for the 5K race. It follows a trail on the near-side of Lake Poway and finishes in the same spot as the 10K and 5K, to give the runners the same feeling of crossing the finish line, according to the race website. Parents are invited to chaperone their children during this race. It is designed for children ages 10 and under.

The 5K race designed to let runners pick their own pace, so it is suitable for a family looking for a nice morning hike or a runner looking for an elite challenge. The 10K adds on to the 5K with a trek into the Blue Sky reserve and a 10 percent incline climb to the Ramona Dam.

The races include professional chip timing and more than $1,500 in cash rewards. The event also will include live entertainment and exhibits.

Runners are encouraged to attend a pre-race expo (date and location to be announced on the race’s website) to pick up their race packet, race bib, timing chip and race shirt. Packet pickup and registration will be available onsite the day of the event but it is not encouraged.

Registration opens the day of the race at 6:30 a.m., with the 10K beginning at 7:30 a.m., the 5K at 8:30 a.m. and the kids race at 9:30 a.m.

Cost to register is $40 for adults (10K and 5K), $25 for ages 11 to 17 (10K and 5K), $10 ages 10 and under (5K and kids race).

To register and to find out more about the Cinco de Mayo Trail Run, visit cincodematotrailrun.org.

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