The seventh annual Dire Wolf 5- and 10-mile trail race, which benefits the Octorara Junior-Senior High School cross-country teams, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Wolf's Hollow County Park, 1399 Schoff Road, Atglen.

The race, which is being presented by the Octorara Cross-Country Team Booster Club, is being facilitated by RunPA and the Lancaster Road Runners Club. According to event organizers, the Dire Wolf is a challenging trail run consisting of hills, rocks, roots, a rugged downhill switchback and a shallow creek crossing, which may run deeper in the event of rain.

"It's very hilly and very challenging, but there is a very large trail running community within Lancaster and Chester counties," said booster club member Rachel McGinnis, the Octorara girls' cross-country coach. "People come from all over to (take part in) these trail races. They are accustomed to (trails like this)."

Race-day bib pickup and registration will be from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m., followed by race announcements and instructions at 8:50 a.m. Both the 10-mile and 5-mile races will start at 9 a.m. At the conclusion of the race, the awards ceremony will begin at 11:45 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

If someone breaks the 10-mile course record, he or she will receive a $100 cash award. Zach Miller currently holds the record with a time of 1 hour, 1 minute and 38 seconds. The top overall male and female finishers of the 5-mile and 10-mile races will receive a special Dire Wolf Award. Awards will also be given to the top three male and top three female finishers in various age categories.

Parent volunteers and booster club members will help with the race, providing post-race snacks. Members of the girls' and boys' cross-country teams will also be on hand to offer guidance along the course.

"All of the athletes will be at the water stations and food stations throughout the park," said McGinnis. "The teams will also be making signs and be out there cheering for the runners."

She noted that the park is used by the cross-country teams while training. "We train out at the park sometimes because it is a beautiful park and offers a lot of options for running," said McGinnis. "It's definitely one of the prettiest county parks, especially with the (autumn) leaves."

Organizers have a goal of attracting at least 100 runners to the event. "There is no limit to how many we can put out there," McGinnis noted. "It's early in the morning on a Saturday so it's a nice way to start the weekend off."

Proceeds will be used for items such as warmup suits and uniforms for the cross-country athletes and to pay travel costs when the teams are involved in competitions. "It's our largest fundraiser," McGinnis added.

To register for the race or for more information, visit http://www.runsignup.com/Race/PA/Atglen/DyerWolfTrailRace.