POULSBO — An inaugural race will not only provide evening entertainment in downtown Poulsbo, but a way to help students living in foreign countries visit the area.

Running With The Basque is scheduled on July 5, 6-9 p.m. The course starts at Gateway Fellowship and continues to Lemolo Shore Drive, reversing to Fjord Drive, and finally the Poulsbo waterfront.

The event will raise awareness of Impact Basque and Summer In The USA, which is an exchange program.

“It’s a fun way to get the word out,” organizer Wendy Phillips said.

The course will be just under 4 miles. It ends at the Kvelstad Pavilion in the Murial Iverson Williams Waterfront Park.

The Iverson Brothers will perform following the race at the pavilion. Food will be available for purchase.

The idea for the event stemmed from Phillips’ family hosting a student from Basque Country last summer. The family enjoyed their experience, and began brainstorming how they could get the word out and help more students visit the United States, and Kitsap.

“It was just a really awesome experience for our family,” Phillips said.

The event has about 20 business sponsors, which have pledged to help cover costs of the event.

There are also prized to be had for runners who finish first through third. Gift certificates for the first three men and women will be awarded. The certificates will be from Poulsbo Running, Sport Haus, and Flicka.

The race was planned for the evening to “do something different,” Phillips said. An evening run will be a change from typical morning runs, she said. It also gives everyone time to recover from July 4.

The run costs $22 for adults, and $17 for children. It includes a T-shirt, discounted food from Tizley’s EuroPub and a free ice cream at the finish line.

Pre-registration is available through July 3. Prices go up July 4. Day of registration will be available from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Gateway Fellowship parking lot.

For more information, go to www.getmeregistered.com and search “Running With The Basque,” visit the event’s Facebook page, Running With The Basque, or email RunningWTB@gmail.com.