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If you've been looking for a reason to get your running shoes out of the closet once more, that reason has arrived. The State-to-State Half Marathon will take place Sept. 16, and it waits for no one to stop and tie their shoes.

The race starts in Uptown Oxford and follows Contreras Road into Indiana, before looping back into Oxford. Hosted by the Oxford American Discovery Trail Running Club, runners can sign up for the Half-Marathon run or walk, the 5K run/walk, the Kids 1K Fun Run or even the Toddler/Preschool Dash, all depending on the participants' own skill levels.

"There are no real requirements (for participation)," said Race Director Diana Durr. "We encourage everyone to choose their own race and difficulty."

Durr said she expects 1,400 runners this year, which would be 200 more than last year's total. So far, 900 runners have signed up, which already eclipses the mark of 800 set by the inaugural race in 2003. Durr said the increasing popularity is beneficial for everyone involved.

"This showcases Oxford, not just regionally but nationally as well," she said.

Because this is the fifth year the race has been run, Durr said a number of prizes will be given to this year's top finishers and those who have taken part each year.

Fifth-year runners will all receive a copy of "C.C. Pyle's Amazing Footrace" by Geoff Williams. The story is the true account of the title character's coast-to-coast run across the United States in 1928. The author also will be present to autograph copies of the book.

A total of $4,600 will be given away to the top three finishers in men's and women's brackets for the 5K and half marathon run.

The first 900 runners to register will receive free T-shirts from New Balance. Registration remains open until the day of the race, but fees will increase by $5 the day of the race. Fees are $30 for the half marathon, $25 for the 5K and $1 for the Kids 1K. The Toddler/Preschool Dash is free.

Durr said last year's event raised $13,000 for Butler County charities, and she hopes this year's event will at least equal that amount. She said because the event is run by volunteers, they are able to give a little more to charity than one might expect.

"This is all put on by volunteers," she said. "We do a survey afterward of participants, and many are surprised to find that it's done by volunteers."