Runners amped for 10K, 10-mile races this weekend

What sounds more daunting — a 10K run, or a 10-mile run?

Runners in the community know 10 miles is about 4 more miles than a 10K.

But if runners are up for it, they can do both.

Two major races are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, giving Brevard runners plenty of opportunity to lace up and hit the road.

The 27th annual Eye of the Dragon 10K/Tail of the Lizard 2-mile races will be held Saturday, while the Excalibur 10-miler will take place Sunday. Both are expected to draw big fields of runners.

The Eye of the Dragon is slated to begin at 7:30 at Pineapple Park near the end of the Eau Gallie Causeway. Racers will run along the Indian River and over the causeway, giving them an incredible vista of the barrier islands as they run.

Race director Barbara Linton says the Space Coast Runners are expecting upward of 700 runners and walkers at Saturday's event. They hope to raise at least $1,000 for ALS. The Tail of the Lizard is a corresponding 2-mile race that Linton calls a gateway to health event.

"The two-miler is intended to be a fun event for people of all fitness levels" Linton said. "The goal is for people to have a good time without being intimidated by long distance."

The Excalibur race on Sunday is geared more toward the medieval-minded, distance crowd. This 10-mile race kicks off at Viera High School on Sunday morning at 7 a.m.. It meanders through the "Kingdom of Viera."

The Excalibur is projected to attract more than 1,000 participants. The Running Zone is sponsoring this event, which is in its second year. Participants will receive a "victory crown" in lieu of the standard race medal, and have been encouraged to sport their favorite Camelot-themed gear.

"This is the first time that this race has fallen on the same weekend as the Eye of the Dragon," said Laura Sanchez, of the Running Zone. When asked about how many "hardcore runners" were expected to cross over and participate in both races, Sanchez said the number would be surprisingly high.

"The running community here is incredible," she said. "I am constantly amazed by their achievements and participation. They are so dedicated."

Two races in one weekend? That is dedicated.

Contact Michelle Mulak at Mmulak@Floridatoday.com or at 321-242-3669

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This weekend's races

What: Eye of the Dragon 10K/Tail of the Lizard 2-miler

When: Saturday, 7:30 a.m.

Learn more:https://thedriven.net/Eye-of-the-dragon.race_reg/eid/1115012389

Where: Downtown Eau Gallie

What: Excalibur 10-miler

When: Sunday, 7 a.m.

Where: Viera High School

Learn more:http://excaliburrun.com/