www.citrusclassicballoons.com/zest.php

How fast can you run a mile? Find out at the Oaks Mile. Compete against friends in your age group, do the family fun run, or race against the areas best athletes in the Elite race. The Oaks Mile encourages youth to run and supports local youth running programs. Presented by the Thousand Oaks High School Cross Country Teams. More information at www.theoaksmile.com.

The 2010 Agoura Hills Mile (NEW!) and Reyes Adobe Days 5K take place on Saturday, October 2nd at Reyes Adobe Park (30400 Rainbow Crest Drive, Agoura).

The Agoura Hills Mile is a point-to-point course nearly entirely downhill run exclusively on Reyes Adobe Road. You are the opening act of the Reyes Adobe Days parade as thousands line the route and cheer you on to the finish near the 160-year-old historical Reyes Adobe. There will be an open mile, masters mile, elite mile, family mile and dog mile!!

The RAD 5K starts at the beginning of the Reyes Adobe Days parade route then tours the scenic neighborhoods of Agoura Hills near Forest Cove Park, Morrison Park and Reyes Adobe Park.

Free Pancake Breakfast for all runners immediately following the races! $5 breakfast for non-runners benefiting the Agoura Valley Women's Club. The Reyes Adobe Days parade follows the races!

Visit http://greatraceofagoura.com/AgouraHillsMile/ or call 877.478.2773 for more information.  Or register on Active.com (click here)

Santa Barbara's challenging Pier to Peak Half-Marathon on Sunday, September 5th takes you from the famous Santa Barbara Friendship Dolphins Fountain at the edge of Stearns Wharf, past the "Queen of the Missions" and on up an elevation of 3996 feet to the Majestic views at La Cumbre Peak. Capture the panaramic layout of the city, Santa Barbara Channels and the Channel Islands. You can see where you started from 13.1 miles (sea level) earlier. Shuttle service takes you back to the start.

More information and a link to the registration on Active.com is at www.runsantabarbara.com/pier_to_peak.html.

Note from Conejo Joe: This is one of the most challenging, brutal courses I've ever run.  Basically 13 miles mostly uphill.  For those who enjoy a challenge and some pain, this race if definitely for you!  We have a special nickname for this race...Pier to Puke!  Gotta love it.

Bulldog 50k and 25k

Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas, CA

Saturday, August 21, 2010

50K at 6:30am

25K at 7:30am

The challenging and popular Bulldog runs consist of two races - the 25K Trail Run and the 50K Trail Ultra Run, which are conducted simultaneously. Come join us and run in the beautiful scenic Santa Monica Mountains recreational area beginning at our base camp in Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu.

The Bulldog 50K is:

• An RRCA Championship 50K Race
• A Trail Runner Magazine Trophy Series Race
• A Southern California UltraRunner's Grand Prix Series Race

The Bulldog 25K is:

• A Trail Runner Magazine Trophy Series Race

The course offers inspirational vistas of untamed terrain and sweeping ocean views. The challenging trail weaves through the mountains on single track and fire roads.

Aid stations are located at approximately every 3-5 miles. We look forward to you joining us for a memorable day in Malibu.

Visit www.trailrunevents.com/bd/ for more information and to register for these challenging events.

I, Conejo Joe, have run this 25K a number of times and each time I shake my head at how sore I am the next day...yet I go back for more! Brutal but rewarding!

The 2nd Annual Select Staffing Santa Barbara International Marathon, plus a newly added Half Marathon is set for Saturday, November 6th. Local marathoners and wannabe marathoners, this is a must do event!! Be part of this inaugural race!

This is a scenic course with uniquely Californian vistas of mountains and sea. Elite and casual runners alike will appreciate an optimal mix of flat, rolling and downhill segments, with only one major half-mile climb before a two-mile descent to the Pacific Ocean. The course winds through Santa Barbara’s picturesque semi-rural suburbs and finishes in the heart of one of the West’s most charming resort towns, treating participants to a quintessentially coastal Californian race experience.

Note from Conejo Joe: I ran this race last year and recommend it. While my performance wasn't up to par due to training and logistical reasons, I'd do it again. Well organized at start, finish and in between.

For more information and to register, visit www.sbimarathon.com.

The 2nd Annual Malibu International Marathon and Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 14th, showcasing idyllic scenery and unlocking an exciting new challenge. Marathoners will run 26.2 miles starting near the Camarillo Airport at 7 a.m. and ending at Zuma Beach in Malibu. The Half Marathon begins at 8:30 a.m. near Thornhill Broom Beach and ends at Zuma Beach.

Marathoners will enjoy a fast first half in the flat farm lands of Ventura County with views of the Santa Monica Mountains looming to the east. At mile 10, athletes will run through the “keyway to the coast,” a rock passageway to the Pacific Ocean. The remainder of the course is along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway with breathtaking views of the great Pacific and dozens of Malibu mansions. The finish line is at the famous Zuma Beach, where athletes are welcome to run straight into the refreshing ocean.

Registration and additional information about this inaugural event is at www.malibuintmarathon.com. Or call 310.494.1857 for more information.

Situated at Cabrillo Bath House at East Beach, Santa Barbara Reef & Run will host an athletic competition as a way to get a great workout or just have a pleasant evening in the company of friends and family.  The event will offer a 1 mile ocean swim, 1k ocean swim, 2 mile run, 4 mile run or 1k swim/2 mile run (Duathlon). Participants range from elite athletes to first time competitors. There will be weekly prizes and give-aways. Refreshments will be served. Sharing a picnic with friends and family while watching the sun go down is encouraged.

This 2nd annual series starts on Tuesday,  April 27th  The series will take place every Tuesday evening for twenty consecutive weeks until September 7th.  Indoor changing locker room with hot showers will be provided. Race will start at 6:25 PM rain or shine.

For more information and to register, visit www.reefandrun.com or call 805.886.7674.