I was in the middle of eating my second orange-frosted sugar cookie shaped like a pumpkin when a commercial came on.

It was for the La Crosse Fitness Festival May 2-3, 2009, in La Crosse, Wis. The weekend includes a 5K, half marathon and marathon.

With seven months to go, this could be a great opportunity for area runners to try a longer distance or run a full marathon close to home. I've only braved half marathons and am hoping to go the full 26.2. This race is almost too close to skip. Plus, there's something really exciting about being part of an inaugural race.

All profits from the La Crosse Fitness Festival will go to benefit the St. Clare Health Mission and the La Crosse Youth Enrichment Association (YEA).

Online registration opened Aug. 1 so sign yourself up. Visit www.lacrossefitnessfestival.com for more information.