Running a race is part mental prep, part physical, but no matter how much you prepare, each race has its own personality and quirks that can either make it easier or harder for you to get the job done. The Lake Run, on Saturday, May 13, is set up to make your race a win/win situation no matter what time you cross that finish line.

1. The scenery will distract you. Yup, sometimes the best workouts are the ones that sneak up on you—you know, you’re having so much fun you don’t even realize you’re breaking out in a sweat? Well, you may realize you are huffing and puffing your way up to the South Shore peak, but with views of Oswego Lake and tree-lined streets to distract you, I imagine you won’t mind as much.

2. There is strength in numbers. Even Lake Run organizers will admit the 10K course is one that “everyone loves to hate.” With its hilly terrain, you won’t be alone as you vent, “Aren’t we done yet?!” as you inch up the nuisance climb from Oswego Hunt Club to the Berwick turn.

3. Bragging rights are earned. Okay, so it may not have the 3,500 foot elevation change (more like 300) of the Newbury Park California 10K, but anyone who has ever participated in the Lake Run will assure you that finishers here earn bragging rights too after surviving the McVey Hill climb that keeps on going until the course peaks along South Shore at 455 feet (that’s from a start at 150 feet).

4. It’s the day before Mother’s Day. What mom wouldn’t love to either have her family join her in either the 5K Run/Walk or 10K, cheer her on along the course, have family members run the race in her honor, or watch her little ones barrel down to the finish in the Kid’s Dash? No matter her level of fitness, there is something at the Lake Run that could bring a smile to the face of the mom in your life.

5. It’s family-friendly. Speaking of moms, the event is set up to be kid-friendly too. Besides the Kid’s Dash, there is a Family Fun Festival complete with a giant slide, face-painting and crafts for the kids. Plenty of vendor booths too to checkout and maybe get a Mother’s Day gift if you haven’t already.

Registration is open online. Fees are: $40/10K; $30/5K; $15/Kid’s Dash. The 10K and 5K fees increase by $5 after April 30. T-shirts are guaranteed for reservations received by April 30.  For more details, check the Lake Oswego Women’s Club website.

Lake Run…Farmer’s Market…there is lots coming up in Lake Oswego. Stay tuned for more happenings by clicking the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column to subscribe to “52 Reasons to Love Lake Oswego.”