Dammit race is a tough one
Dammit Run returns for its 27th running
By Dick Sparrer
It's on a weekend, and it's a run. But that's where the similarities end. Because the Los Gatos Dammit Run is not your typical, run-of-the-mill weekend run.
A competitive field is expected again for the 27th running of the Dammit Run. But one thing's for sure-- it's certainly no walk in the park. And anyone who has made the dusty climb to the face of Lexington Dam and back knows it.
As races go, this is a tough one. And the 5-mile event promises to be just as competitive as ever. Race organizers caution Dammit entrants about the extreme conditions they may face on the trail with a warning printed right on the race flyer:
"This course is rough, rocky, dusty, with very steep uphill terrain and narrow trails," the race flier warns. "Don't underestimate its difficulty--this is not a race for the faint of heart or the timid."
The race will start tamely enough on the track at Los Gatos High School, and it will finish in the same location. But in between, runners had best be prepared for the rocky, dusty trip into the foothills to Lexington.
Runners will race down the trail next to Los Gatos High School's lower field, past the Old Mill and across Main Street to make the climb up to Lexington Reservoir. Runners will across the face of the dam and head back down the hill to College Avenue, and race back to the finish line on the Los Gatos track.
Race-day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., and the starting gun will blast at 8:30 a.m. Runners can preregister at Athletic Performance, 55 W. Main St., or at the Runners Factory, 51 University Ave., through Aug. 10.
Awards will be given to the top finishers in the different divisions. All finishers will receive ribbons, and the West Valley Track Club will provide computerized results.
The preregistration entry fee is $8 ($20 with a T-shirt), and the fee is $15 on race day ($30 with a T-shirt). T-shirts alone are priced at $15 and will be sold at the track on race day or in advance at Runners Factory and Athletic Performance. Proceeds from the Dammit go to benefit the Los Gatos High School Track Repair Fund.
For more information, call 408.354.7365 or 408.395.4311.
The Dammit Run is not for everyone, but you'll find serious runners looking for a challenge in the Dammit field on Aug. 12.
Dammit breakfast
The Los Gatos Lions' Club will sponsor a pancake breakfast following the Aug. 12 running of the Dammit Run in Los Gatos. Proceeds from the breakfast will go towards fund-raising efforts to build a new swimming pool at Los Gatos High School.
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