Whether they're running to place, walking at a stroll or padding about on all fours, participants in the annual Father's Day Run will have their exercise options to choose from.

Sponsored this year by both JCC Rockland and the Jewish Federation of Rockland County, the annual event includes a 5-kilometer race for those with a competitive streak, a 3-kilometer walk and a dog walk for those bringing their four-legged family members.

Funds raised through event sponsors and runners and walkers who seek individual sponsorships will benefit JCC Rockland's scholarship fund and the Israel Youth Futures, a program of the Jewish federation system that aids at-risk youth in Israel.

The JCC has sponsored the event for the past six years, but felt that working with the Federation was a good way to give the event an even broader community flavor, said Josh Krakoff, chief operating officer of JCC Rockland.

"As a Federation supported agency, the JCC feels strongly about working with the Federation," he said. "It's an opportunity to work closely, to help support efforts in the community."

The Federation, in turn, values the chance to take part in a popular event, which has registered approximately 100 runners in the past few years. The dog walk and run will help raise money for meaningful causes that Rockland residents can relate to, according to Diane Sloyer, Federation executive director.

"It's important that the JCC be able to provide scholarships for those with the desire but not the means to participate in the great programs that it provides," she said. "Just as importantly, the Federation wants to raise money and awareness of the needs of at-risk children in Israel and provide them with opportunities, too."

The event takes place on Sunday, June 20 at Herb Reisman Sports Complex, 920 Rt. 45, Pomona. Registration opens at 7:30. The race and walk begin at 8:30 a.m. The run takes place over a USA track and field certified course through the complex, onto Route 45 and in the nearby neighborhood. The 3-kilometer walk and dog walk will take place over paved trails in the complex and at the abutting Eugene Levy Memorial Park.

The cost is $20 to register before Friday, June 11. The cost increases to $25 after that date and on the day of the race. There is also a $20 "phantom runner" category for those who wish to show support but without wearing out the tread on their Nikes.

Gift certificates from $10 to $250 will be awarded to those who raise money through individual sponsorships. Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female runners overall, and medals will be give to the top three runners, male and female in each of eight age groups. Runners must be at least 10 years old to participate.

As for adding four-legged participants, Krakoff said that just seemed like a good way to broaden the appeal of the event and reach a different group of participants.

"These days, people really consider their pets to be just another family member," he said. "People sleep with their pets, eat with their pets, travel with their pets. Why not have a Father's Day run with them as well?"

For more information or to register, call Lynn Sabat at 362-4400, ext. 105 or visit www.jccrockland.org.