BLANCO, Texas — A new running event will bring hundreds of women to Blanco to run through scenic Texas lavender country.

The Texas Lavender Hills 5k & 10k Women’s Run/Walk takes place June 6, 2009, in Blanco, Texas. The race starts and ends in the fields of Texas Lavender Hills Farm & Market during the peak of lavender season. The farm boasts a breathtaking 360-degree view of the area.

The event includes 5k and 10k distances, and both runners and walkers are welcome.

All participants receive a technical T-shirt, lavender goodies, and a party at the finish line with champagne, a catered breakfast, live music, free chair massages and shopping for lavender products.

All-male volunteers will serve the women at “comfort stations” along the challenging and scenic out-and-back course. The race is chip-timed and features a masters division and age group awards in five-year increments. The last mile is on gravel road and trail, finishing on the rolling hills of the lavender farm.

The run comes one week before the Blanco Lavender Festival, June 12-14.

Texas Lavender Hills is a family-owned organic lavender farm founded by Jill and Doak Hunter, third-generation Blanco landowners. Inspired by France’s Provence region and Blanco’s reputation as the new “Lavender Capital of Texas,” the Hunters blanketed their 27-acre parcel with lavender plants. The hillside provides a sunny, southwest location with excellent drainage that makes it ideal for growing lavender.

Early registration is $40 for the 10k and $35 for the 5k through May 30; after that, 10k registration is $45, then $50 on race day. Registration for the 5K is $40, then $45 on race day.

For more information and registration info, call 210-651-6096 or visit www.runintexas.com.