Sunday is the 10th annual Run Around Erie 15K run & 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk at Presque Isle State Park (Rotary pavilion).

There's a division for everyone -- whether you're new to the racing scene (1 mile or the 5K -- 3.1 miles) or you're an old veteran who enjoys a unique distance (15K).

I love this race. I do the 15K each year and it's the perfect distance for me -- long enough to scare off the 5K and 10K jackrabbits, but short enough that it's not as hard as a 1/2 marathon.

I did like the race a lot better when it was in the city -- we ran through some of neighborhoods most of us would never run through and enjoyed lots of cheering from the spectators along the course and we finished in the Veteran's Stadium. Now, it's at the peninsula -- like every other race (including my own Her Times 5K!), but it was the Presque Isle or nothing once the city made it clear they could (would) not help with police to help direct traffic.

If you've ever wondered why most races are at Presque Isle -- that's why. The city of Erie is impossible to work when it comes to trying to run on their turf. Plus, you need a lot less road marshals and volunteers at Presque Isle. And, well...I shouldn't complain anyway -- most cities would give their eye teeth for a park like we have to run in.

run Around Erie Race Director Jeff Shaw and his gang do a great job with the race and they do it for a good cause -- proceeds benefit Gaudenzia Crossroads and the Erie County Drug and Alcohol Coalition (organizations who help people affected by chemical dependency, mental illness and substance abuse).

I hope you'll consider coming out and taking part in one of the divisions. You can register at Guadenzia Crossroads, 414 W. 5th St. on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. or register on race-day morning at the Rotary Pavilion.