Run for the hills! I mean, seriously. Sign up now for the June 13 inaugural Run for the Hills hosted by Save our Southwest Hills (www.sos-hills.org), also benefiting the Temecula-Murrieta Rescue Mission and the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve.

For a $25 entry fee, a jog around Temecula can make you healthy and wealthy with $500 cash prizes going to the fastest male and female runners. A $250 scholarship will be awarded to the fastest high school student. Nobody loses in this race because you get a T-shirt for your entry fee. For more information, phone Mariann (not the Temecula councilwoman) at 951-699-3089.

The race begins at 9 a.m. ---- fittingly from Ronald Reagan Sports Park. The 5K course will circle the streets around the sports park, taking participants by the new Temecula library on Pauba Road and affording a spectacular view of the city and the natural beauty of the hills around Temecula.

The only running I do is with my mouth, but anybody can participate in the 5K event, even if jogging or walking the route. You can even stand still as a volunteer providing water to runners, joggers and walkers at refreshment stations along the course. You can run a "virtual race" and still get a T-shirt. I found my category for the race.

During and after the run, there will be food and entertainment. The Healthy Hills and Valley Expo will be fun for all ---- a great fit and family day in and around the park. Be sure to wear sun protection.

If 5 kilometers sounds like a long distance, the good news is it is only 3.1 miles.

Local sponsors include BMW of Riverside County, the Firestone family, Outdoor Channel, Pechanga, Rancon Group and San Diego State University. These aren't the most robust of economic times, yet these sponsors are finding it in their budgets to contribute toward this healthy community event.

I'm not an outdoorsman, but can appreciate the beauty of untouched land without walking all over it. It is a good cause to support preserving and learning from nature and sustaining life as the ecological reserve and rescue mission do.

My idea of exercise is throwing darts in the garage, and even though I don't practice what I'm preaching here, there is no disputing that physical exercise is a good thing. I think a common theme in the physical and spiritual realm is the hope to do better.

So come on out for a run and a ton of fun in the sun. I am lacing up my virtual running shoes in anticipation.

PAUL JACOBS writes from Temecula. Contact him at TemeculaPaul@aol.com.