DOG JOG: TWO RACERS, SIX LEGS : ENCINO EVENT LETS RUNNERS AND THEIR BEST FRIENDS COMPETE TOGETHER.

Byline: Ronni Ross

Every so often I stumble across a running event so unusual I just have to write about it, and this one certainly qualifies as a doggone different kind of a race.

The L.A. Dog Jog is for runners and their four-legged friends. Felines need not apply.

This year's event will take place May 26 in Encino and includes a 2-mile run, a 1-mile walk, silly pet tricks, a costume contest and a pet look-a-like competition.

``The race is just for people and their dogs. No one can officially run without a dog,'' said race director Walt Walston. ``This is one of few events people can go to and enjoy with their dogs.''

The race draws about 300 to 400 teams each year and the canines are typically well-behaved, Walston said.

``We've never had any problems. It's amazing,'' he said. ``We've had more problems with the people than with the dogs.''

To ensure the event is safe for the pooches, staff members from the Encino Veterinary Clinic donate their time on race day.

``They look for dogs who may not be in shape for the event (or) are in heat. We go overboard with safety,'' he said, adding that dogs less than 6 months of age are not allowed to participate.

Owners are required to provide proof of a recent rabies vaccination and current licensing; all dogs must be on leashes.

Proceeds from the race - a team cost of $20, plus $3 for each additional dog - benefit Guide Dogs of America, an organization that trains and provides seeing-eye dogs to blind individuals.

``At this time, I'm doing this race on a wing and a prayer,'' said Walston, who also organizes a number of nondog-oriented races. ``We have no corporate sponsor, so we don't get to donate too much money. But we commit to $500 per year.

``I'd love to say we donate several thousand dollars to Guide Dogs, but we can't.''

L.A. Dog Jog, formerly known as the Purina HiPro Dog Run when the race did have a sponsor, has been held in Encino for the past three years; its course covers the circumference of the park's soccer and baseball fields.

To help keep park officials happy and avoid leaving behind a postrace mess, Walston gives scoopers to all participating pet owners, and offers demonstrations on how to pick up their dog's litter.

``It works,'' he said. ``We've never been not invited back. The park people are always amazed.''

Festivities begin at 9 a.m. at the Balboa Sports Center in Balboa Park and go until noon.

Country-western band Snake Oil Willy provides entertainment each year and plays music for the unusual warm-up activity - line dancing with the dogs. An expo is also held featuring groomers, pet sitters, rescue and shelter organizations, animal adoption agencies and other animal-related groups in attendance.

Runners receive bib numbers and T-shirts, but their canine counterparts also get in on the act: Each participating pooch receives a race number and a neckerchief.

Food, drinks and doggie treats are also provided. ``But there are no hot dogs,'' Walston kidded.

Prizes are awarded to first-, second- and third-place finishers in each of three dog-size categories - small (less than 30 pounds), medium (30 to 60 pounds) and large (more than 60 pounds) in men's and women's divisions.

For an application or additional information, call [phone].

Extra laps: The late George Sheehan, a record-setting marathoner, doctor and popular Runner's World columnist, was diagnosed with inoperable prostate cancer in 1986. He died in 1993.

But in those years between, Sheehan fought his disease with a vengeance and documented his battle and his emotions in a series of essays.

The result is a book titled ``Going the Distance: One Man's Journey to the End of His Life'' (Random House; $22).

Thought-provoking and philosophical in tone, the 185-page book examines the way Sheehan dealt with facing death and how his love of running affected his very being. That sensitivity and emotion make ``Going the Distance'' a worthwhile read.

RUNNING EVENTS Following are upcoming footraces:

Burbank 10th annual Run for the Hungry 5K Run/Walk and Munchkin Mile: Saturday, 8 a.m., Johnny Carson Park, Burbank. Information: [phone].

Saturn of Ontario National Duathlon (5K run, 30K bike, 5K run): Sunday, 8 a.m., Ontario Airport Hilton. Information: [phone].

85th annual Examiner Bay to Breakers 12K (7.5-mile) race: Sunday, 8 a.m., San Francisco. Information: [phone], ext. 2222.

5th annual Castaic Dam Runs: June 1, 8 a.m., Castaic Lake. Includes 1-mile heart walk and 5K and 10-mile runs. Information: [phone] or [phone].

11th annual Festival de Primavera 5K and 10K Runs and 5K Walk: June 1, 8 a.m., Rosarito Beach Hotel, Baja California, Mexico. Information: [phone].

MEMO: Ronni Ross' column appears monthly in the Daily News.

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Photo, Box

Photo: Runners and their pets take to the trails for t he annual L.A. Dog Jog at Balboa Park in Encino.

Special to the Daily News

Box: RUNNING EVENTS (see text)