In stressful times, people need stress relief. Where can they find it? Longtime Fresno race promoter Ken Takeuchi echoed dozens of scientific studies in the belief that exercise is a great way to soothe worries and troubles.
Judging by the heightened level of interest in Saturday's Dream Run at Woodward Park, which kicks off the popular Valley Runner of the Year Series, he isn't alone.
"I'm getting a lot more calls than normal, and it seems to be driven by the economy," said Takeuchi, the series director.
"In stressful times people are looking at how to stay healthy in order to fight that stress."
Since 1987, the Valley Runner of the Year Series has pitted local runners against one another in a combination of distances ranging from a 1-mile sprint to a 13.1-mile half marathon.
Organizer Ken Takeuchi reports increased interest in Saturday's opening race, which he attributes to stressful times created by the sagging economy.
Men's and women's standings are kept in three divisions: open (ages 39 and younger), masters (40-49) and seniors (50-plus).
A points system that requires strategy in choosing events determines the standings.
Races are divided into three point categories (10, 20 and 30) that are based on factors such as history and attendance. There are five 10-point races, five worth 20 points and five worth 30. Each runner's point total is determined by his or her three best finishes in each category.
"You're running against the best the Valley has to offer," said series participant Kyle Cirrincione, manager of Sierra Running Company in Fresno. "It's a great opportunity to get together and see where you fit in."
Even though the series is geared toward serious runners, there's room for just-for-fun types, too. According to Takeuchi, about 1,000 people each year earn points.
All series races also include a category for walkers.
New to the schedule for 2009 is the Miracle Mile of Quarters Run/Walk on June 13 at Children's Hospital Central California. At just 1 mile, it's the shortest race in the series.
The longest remains the 13.1-mile End of the Trail Half Marathon, May 2 in Visalia.
There are four 10-kilometer races, two 6-milers (a tad shorter than 10K), two 5-milers, one 4-miler, three 5Ks and one 2-miler.
"The variety of distances is cool because it gives more people the opportunity to shine," said Lea Nibur, a former champion in the women's open division. "For me, the shorter races are like torture."
Defending series champions include Ernesto Rojas and Alyson Berg (open), Eric Little and Maia Pucay (masters) and David Smith and Donna Smith (seniors).
Each series race doubles as a charitable event, and entry fees for some are tax deductible.
For example, proceeds from the 20-point Dream Run go toward college scholarships for Valley high school seniors.
"That's how I justify [paying the fees]," Nibur says. "They go to a good cause."
Saturday's race includes the 6-mile main event (8 a.m.), worth 20 series points, a 2-mile run walk (7:55) and three kids' races that begin at 7:30. The Mountain View Shelter serves as the start/finish line.
Entry fees are $15 in advance and $20 on race day ($8 and $10 for kids' races). Advance registration is 1 to 7 p.m. today at Sierra Running Co., 9447 N. Fort Washington Road.
Check in and late registration begin at 7 a.m. Details: www.runthedream.com.
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