Runners, today is the final opportunity to register for Saturday's Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon. And, if you're concerned about your wellbeing, today is also the final chance to take in the free Health & Fitness Expo.

Chesapeake's second Dismal Swamp Stomp begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail at the intersection of Dominion Boulevard and the old U.S. Route 17. A new children's Cub Run, open to ages 12 and younger, begins at 11 a.m.

To register for Saturday's foot-trek through part of the Great Dismal Swamp, participants must pay $55 at the Health & Fitness Expo. That is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Chesapeake Conference Center.

Runners will compete for $10,000 in prize money and awards in various age and ability categories.

The Expo is free and open to all. It includes free health screenings, a Red Cross blood drive and vendors and exhibitors covering a variety of sports and health-related topics.

Although only in its second running, the 13.1-mile half-marathon is already an internationally known race bringing in runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco and 26 states. It's been given a huge thumbs up from Track & Field News, which lauded the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail's straight, flat course over an old highway roadbed. The magazine called attention to the trail's pristine nature-friendly environs and the rich surrounding history.

But for those who want to race Saturday, sign-up is required by today, the final day of the must-see Health & Fitness Expo.

Call 373-4147 or 502-4898 for more race details.

Eric Feber, 222-5203, eric.feber@pilotonline.com [1]