Tanned, rested and hairy after a year off, due to the expansion of Los Vaqueros Reservoir, the sixth annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run returns Saturday, Oct 20 at Los Vaqueros Reservoir and Watershed in Brentwood.

The event provides a distance to satisfy all levels of ability: 5k, 10k, half-marathon and Kids 1k. The majority of the courses take place on dirt roads and trails.

The Tarantula Run was created to increase awareness about the Los Vaqueros Reservoir and Watershed, a beautiful and fascinating 20,000-acre wilderness of steep and hill-protected land providing 55 miles trails for hiking and running – right in our back yard. Participants will likely spot plenty of wild animals and birds, and maybe a tarantula or two.

Admission for kids running the 1K is free; registration is held the day of the event. The fee for youth 14 and under and seniors 60 and over is $20. Participants 15 to 59 pay $25. The fee for families (immediate family members) of four or more is $15 per person. The entry fee includes admission to Los Vaqueros Watershed and a commemorative T-shirt, plus beverages and snacks.

To get to Los Vaqueros, take Walnut Avenue in Brentwood south till it ends at the park entrance. Parking will be available at the park’s front entrance, and free shuttles will transport participants to the Kellogg Creek Picnic Area (the check-in area and start/finish line). Race results and times will be provided by On Your Mark Events.

The half-marathon starts at 8 a.m.; the 5k run/walk and 10k run at 8:30 a.m.; and the Kids 1k Run at 10 a.m. Check-in and race-day registration opens at 6:30 a.m.

Participants can pre-register by visiting www.active.com and downloading an application.

For more Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run information, call Jim Freschi at 925-688-8175.