You read it right, Mad Cow.

Now that we have your attention, In Your Pace Running Club would like to invite you to the first annual Mad Cow 5K Race, a Route 20 Road Challenge Event taking place in Nelson Saturday Aug. 1. The 5K run and walk will take participants through the heart of cow country in the Nelson dairy region, where Colonel John Lincklaen of Cazenovia made one of the first official imports of Holstein cattle in 1795.

“Consider this race In Your Pace’s ode to the rich history of the Holstein cow and Madison County,” said Ann Usborne, a member of the In Your Pace Running Club.

But it isn’t all about the cows. The big-hearted group will donate the proceeds to Community Action Partnership, a local non-profit that helps individuals and families in Madison County become and remain self-sufficient.

“We wanted to host a unique, annual event that would not only be a good time, but also raise money for an agency that helps people county-wide,” Usborne said.

With a lucky runner drawing, raffle drawing and awards to top male and female finishers by age group, the event will be a good time for a good cause. Pre-registration ends July 24.

Event Details

When: Race starts at 9a.m. Saturday Aug. 1

Where: The Nelson Town Office, one quarter mile north of Route 20 on Nelson Road.

Registration: Pre-registration is $15 for runners under 17 and adults are $18. Entry forms and waivers are available at nelson5krun.blogspot.com. Race day registration fee is $20 for all entries. Runners can register on the day of the race between 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners and distributed as available on race day. No dogs or strollers are permitted at the event. The event is presented in partnership with the Syracuse Track Club and is a USA Track & Field 2009 Sanctioned Event.