The gun will go off, and they'll dart out of the blocks like there's no tomorrow.

That is, of course, for those participants who plan to run in the Running of the Dawgs Saturday at the Northern Lehigh Athletic Stadium, Slatington.The 10th annual 5K Run/Fitness Walk is sponsored by the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation. Registration is at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 1-mile Fun Run at 8:30 a.m.Then, at 9 a.m., the 5K Run/Walk will be held, followed by a post-race, where there will be awards, a drawing, and dog-costume judging.Awards will be given in the form of 5K run prizes to first, second and third-place overall male/female; first, second and third-place male/female in the categories of 18-and-under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-and-over; first, second and third overall 5K walk and 1-mile fun run; as well as an award for the best dog costume.Dogs are welcome to come in costume. A prize will be awarded to the best dressed dog in town.Proceeds from the event will go to educational enrichment programs within the school district.Bill Danish, event chairman, said organizers hope to see as many entrants as possible."The Education Foundation has done many things for our school district," Danish said. "Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to support the school district's financial needs."For more information, contact Danish at (610) 767-9195, or

bdanish@ptd.net.