And if you think the campaign trail's tough, try running the 5-mile trail from the Los Gatos High School trail to the face of Lexington Dam, then back again!

It's rough, it's dusty, it's competitive—and it's also become one of the most popular running events in the Santa Clara Valley. The Dammit Run will return to town for its 31st running on Aug. 14.

Chris Cozort is the defending Dammit champion, finishing in 28:09 last year and outrunning Lenin Zapata (28:19) to the finish line. Sarna Becker ran away from the field in the women's division, winning in 32:29. It was the second straight Dammit win for Lund.

Another competitive field is expected again this year for the traditional event. 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 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 the 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 and up to Lexington.

Runners will race down the trail next to Los Gatos High School's lower field, past Forbes Mill and across Main Street to make the climb up to Lexington. Runners will cross 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.

All finishers will receive ribbons, and the West Valley Track Club will provide computerized results.

The pre-registration entry fee is $10 ($30 with a T-shirt), and the fee is $20 on race day ($40 with a T-shirt). T-shirts alone are priced at $20 and will be sold at the track on race day or in advance at Athletic Performance, 55 W. Main St., or at the Runners Factory, 51 University Ave. Pre-registration closes Aug. 12, 6 p.m.

Proceeds from the Dammit go to benefit the Los Gatos High School Track Repair Fund.

For more information, call 354-7365 or 395-4311.