Those looking for a challenging run that will take them over hills, into the woods and through a creek are invited to take part in the 10th annual Dire Wolf 5-mile and 10-mile trail race on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Wolf's Hollow County Park, 1399 Schoff Road, Atglen. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Octorara Junior-Senior High School cross-country teams.

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. Participants navigate a hilly course that is a mix of fire trail, single-track and grass surfaces with obstacles like rocks and tree roots. There is also a shallow creek crossing, which may run deeper in the event of rain.

"There is a 5- and 10-mile race, so there is a whole trail running community that takes part in races like these. It is very challenging. These are people used to trail running," said booster club member Rachel McGinnis, the Octorara girls' cross-country coach, noting that the school teams use the park in the summer and fall for training.

She said that some participants often walk certain portions of the course. "There are certain parts of the trail where you come down a steep hill where most people walk. Some of the more seasoned trail runners run the whole time," she noted. "It's very hilly. People walk up a lot of the hills."

Last year, the event attracted about 45 to 50 participants, who were aided in their efforts by adult volunteers with the booster club and members of the boys' and girls' cross-country teams. Those same supports will be in place this year. "The cross-country teams are at the aid stations, where the water and goodies are, and they help with registration and setting up the course and cheering (on the runners)," said McGinnis.

While both the 5-mile and 10-mile events start at the same location, the two courses vary. "Some parts overlap, but the end is different," said McGinnis, noting that a detailed course map can be found on the event website.

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 races will start at 9 a.m. At the conclusion of the races, the awards ceremony will begin at approximately 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 cash award. Zach Miller currently holds the record with a time of 1 hour, 1 minute and 38 seconds. "(His) is the record to beat," said McGinnis.

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.

Proceeds will be used for supports such as offsetting travel costs when the teams are involved in competitions, as well as the cross-country banquet. "It offsets some of the costs for the families when we are in championship races that we travel to. It helps with (the cost) of food and the hotel," said McGinnis, adding, "It's our largest fundraiser."

Those who register by Tuesday, Oct. 1, will receive a registration discount and are guaranteed a long-sleeve tech T-shirt. After Oct. 1, shirts will be offered for sale based on availability.

For more information, to register or to view the course map, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Atglen/DyerWolfTrailRace.