It's a race for a funnel cake and it's becoming as much a part of the Tennessee State Fair as the giant Ferris wheel itself.

The Tennessee 4-H Funnel Cake 5K, to be held at the Tennessee State Fair on Saturday, September 16, has become an annual popular event attracting runners of all ages from all across Tennessee.

Scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the State Fairgrounds on Wedgewood Avenue in Nashville, the 5K will feature both fun runs and competitive running for participants registered in several age groups.

But "best of all," according to John Rose who chairs the all-volunteer Tennessee State Fair Association, at the end of the 5K course “each contestant has the enjoyable and delicious reward of a free funnel cake to make their efforts worthwhile.”

Proceeds from the Funnel Cake 5K will support the many leadership and citizenship programs of the Tennessee 4-H.

The Tennessee 4-H provides opportunities fomore than 180,000 youth serving ages 9 – 19 in every county. Youth have the opportunity to be involved in any of the 26 project areas, some of which are clothing, livestock, nutrition, and photography.

The Tennessee State Fair opens on Friday, Sept. 8 and runs for 10 days closing on Sunday, Sept. 17.        

A family tradition for the Volunteer state since 1906, the State Fair is held annually in the heart of Nashville at the State Fairgrounds. Providing family entertainment in a welcoming environment, a magnificent midway, and fun for all ages, the Fair is visited each year by thousands from all across Tennessee and neighboring states.

For more information about the Funnel Cake 5K and the State Fair, including directions and a list of activities and events, go to www.tnstatefair.org.