Early registration opened this week for the annual Urban Wildland half marathon and 5K races, which are scheduled for Aug. 6 this year.

The two runs, which benefit Richfield's Wood Lake Nature Center, start and end in Veteran's Park in Richfield and include residential neighborhoods and and three parks, according to the event website.

The half-marathon course is certified by the USA Track and Field,  and times can be used to qualify for other marathons, including the Twin Cities marathon in October.