Welcome to the UCI Zot Trot

The Zot Trot returns to UC Irvine on Sunday for its second go-round. “Zot,” as anyone who reads the comic strip “B.C.” knows, is the sound an anteater makes when it zaps its prey, and the Anteater is UCI’s school mascot.

A five-kilometer run/walk, the Zot Trot is held entirely on the UC Irvine campus. In its inaugural run last year, the event drew a respectable 1,200 runners. In keeping with the spirit of the run’s name, organizers are hoping to increase the event’s sense of whimsy this year with a costume contest--prizes go to the best ant or anteater.

“It’s just kind of a fun event,” said James Stofan, executive director of the UCI Alumni Assn., which is sponsoring the event.

This year’s reworked course is “less challenging” than last year’s, Stofan said, with fewer and milder hills.

There will be prizes for winners, including plane tickets for the top male and female finishers, as well as a random drawing for all participants. After the 5K, a 1K Tiny Tot Zot Trot will be held for children 11 and under.

Proceeds will benefit the Alumni Assn.’s scholarship fund and the UCI athletic scholarship program. Last year’s event raised about $30,000.

The Zot Trot will be competing against one of Orange County’s more popular running events, the annual Laguna Beach Classic, which includes a 5K, a 10K and a children’s 1K. Now in its 12th year, the event is expected to draw more than 3,200 runners Sunday.

The event heads through Laguna Canyon to the coast, beginning and ending at the Sawdust Festival grounds on Laguna Canyon Road. Race-day registration begins at 6 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7:45 a.m., the 10K at 8:15 a.m. and a 1K for children 12 and under at 9:15 a.m.

Entry fees, which include a T-shirt, are $18 for the 5K and 10K, $12 for the 1K. Information: (714) 494-3980.