Surrey is hosting the inaugural Great Salmon Run on May 12, inviting runners to take to the trails and paths of Tynehead Regional Park to help highlight the natural habitat for salmon and trout.

Liana Ayach, one of the organizers of the event, said the aim is to raise awareness of the local salmon stewardship organizations - and the watersheds themselves, of course.

"We want to spark community interest," Ayach said. "We want people to learn about watersheds and see what the community organizations are doing."

She said the hope is that people will want to get involved with local community groups after hearing about the work they do.

The Great Salmon Run will include eightkilometre and five-kilometre runs starting at 10: 30 a.m., both sanctioned by B.C. Athletics.

And at 11: 30 a.m., there will be a 300metre kid's Dash n' Splash run, which will involve kids under 12 in a combined run and salmon fry release into the Serpentine River ecosystem.

"I still remember when I was a kid and I did my first fry release. I just fell in love with it," Ayach said. "And kids love releasing fish. It's akin to planting a tree. It's something simple kids can do and feel they've really made a difference."

The event will include entertainment and activities hosted by local volunteer organizations, including a post-race barbecue hosted by and in support of Serpentine Enhancement Society volunteers who manage the Tynehead Hatchery facility on-site.

While many Surrey groups will be on hand, Ayach said there will also be organizations from Delta and Langley at the event.

"It's really about volunteer organizations and to encourage people to take part wherever they live," Ayach said.

For more information, or to register, visit www.surrey.ca/greatsalmonrun.

twitter@amyreid87

areid@thenownewspaper.com