The inaugural 10K cross-country Gaucho Gallop, a new event for the UCSB Alumni Association’s upcoming 2nd Annual All Gaucho Reunion, will be held on campus on April 26. In a novel twist on the cross-country race, registrants who come early that day (8:15 a.m.) to the UCen may run a special, one-mile warm up course with their dogs.

After the warm up, called the Dioji Dog Dash, runners can leave their leashed and vaccinated pooches with handlers in a “doggie lounge” area while the humans race each other. That race begins at 9 a.m. Spaces are limited in the lounge.

A free public reception to toast the dog dash and the gallop will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 5 p.m. and will be located at Santa Barbara Running, 110 Anacapa St., in Santa Barbara.

Refreshments, music, and a special fenced area for any dogs that bring their owners will be provided, according to John Loftus, Gaucho Gallop organizer. RSVPs for the reception—Loftus can be reached at x8416—are requested.

Gallop registration fees are $20 for UCSB alumni or members of the faculty and staff, according to the event Web site <www.gauchogallop.com>.

Registration is possible online, by mail, or—until April 24—in person at the Mosher Alumni House. Race packets may be picked up at Santa Barbara Running’s Goleta location (129 N. Fairview Ave.) if online or U.S. mail registration is accomplished before April 16.

Day-of-the-event registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. on the lagoon side of the UCen. Net proceeds from the race will benefit a scholarship fund for first generation college students.