With so much running, and limited time, the training program dominated our schedules for the summer, including the always-hectic days of the Ohio State Fair. For my work duties, I am at the fair the majority of the time during its duration, and my wife also has a number of responsibilities there as well. So, in August, we were spending a lot of time at the Ohio State Fair and a lot of time running. It only seemed logical to run at the fair.

Our inaugural fair run included my wife and I and another couple that does some running and also spends a lot of time at the event. As a quartet, I have no doubt that we got a few strange stares as we donned our running shorts and shoes for a brisk lap around the perimeter of the grounds one day.

The run provided some different scenery from our normal running routes as we wound through pedestrians, livestock barns and the wide array of attractions at the fair. It was nice. Conversation during the run turned to what we thought was a good idea.

"It would be great if they did a 5K race at the fair. They really should do that," someone said.

A couple of days later, I was fortunate to judge a beef-cooking contest with fair manager Virgil Strickler, himself a runner. I suppose that is not without some irony that we discussed the possibility of an Ohio State Fair 5-kilometer race (slightly more than 3 miles) while gorging ourselves on delicious beef prepared by master chefs at the fair.

As it turned out, Virgil had already been considering a fair 5K and he thought it seemed like a good possibility in the upcoming years. How could you go wrong with combining exciting fair activities, plenty of delicious food and running?

This year, for the first time, the Ohio State Fair will have a 5K run and walk event. The race will provide participants with the unique runner's eye view and tour of the grounds that we enjoyed in our own little inaugural run. The course sprawls out through the entire length of the fair amid the colorful rides and exhibits.

The event will take place on Aug. 2 with a McDonalds "Future Olympian" Kids race kicking things off at 7:30 a.m. that includes free fair passes, free parking and additional prizes. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. and will start and finish at Crew Stadium.

Participants in the 5K get free fair admission and a Sky Glider ticket, a goody bag (including a fancy t-shirt), post race food and beverages, and free parking. The top three finishers per age group will receive special commemorative awards. All finish times will be posted online following the race.

Participants can register for the race in five ways: complete an entry form and mail it to: ULTRAFIT-USA, PO Box 629, Hilliard, Ohio 43026; register online; register at Road Runner Sports (614-896-2090) beginning July 29 through August 1; or sign up race day beginning at 6:30 a.m.

The 5K entry fee is $29 and $35 on race day. The kid's event is $10. For any questions, call 614-332-5205 or visit www.ultrafitusa.com/ohiostatefair5k_08.html for details and a registration form.

While not quite in my marathon running fitness level of yesteryear, I do plan to run at the event. Likely with me will be my wife and our daughter, who is not yet old enough for the youth event but will participate via jogging stroller. Then, like in the past, I will pair my running with no small supply of delicious fair food. Schmidt's delicious waffle fries, a pork tenderloin sandwich or BBQ lamb sandwich (maybe both), an apple covered elephant ear from Marshall's and one of those giant iced teas will likely be on the menu. Virgil would be proud.