Running a race in a costume can be challenging. People stare, layers are uncomfortable in the heat — not to mention the possibility of wardrobe malfunctions.

Just ask Chris H. Seal and Matt Jones, who dressed in Aladdin and nun costumes, respectively, and competed in a 10K run Sunday morning.

Despite awkward costumes that were hot and far less comfortable than shorts and a T-shirt, "we did surprisingly well," Seal said.

Jones and Seal, both Camarillo residents, were among 600 runners and walkers who participated in the fifth annual Westlake Village City Celebration at the Westlake Village Civic Center, hosted by the city.

The purpose of the event is to celebrate Westlake Village, said Kerry Kallman, community relations coordinator for the city.

The event was held in conjunction with the Thousand Oaks-Westlake Village Regional Chamber's health fair and 5K and 10K races, which the chamber has hosted for 29 years. This year was slightly different from previous years because there was also a 1-mile Mayor's Healthy Walk Challenge.

Money raised from races will help support local businesses, said Kay Garcia, the chamber's event coordinator.

The all-day event included a fun fair coordinated by White Oak Elementary School's Parent Faculty Club.

In addition to races, there were contests, a pancake breakfast and more than two dozen vendors that drew about 2,000 people. Some of the activities included face painting, a cake walk and free magic show.

Gila and David Brook of Agoura Hills brought their three children for the pancake breakfast and were surprised to find so much more.

"I didn't expect all this. It's unbelievable," Gila Brook said. "They're doing everything, the rock climbing wall, bounce house, haunted house. ... We're meeting new people, and we're just happy to be here."

Many children were there for the haunted house, which was organized by Triunfo YMCA in Westlake Village, and was one of the most popular activities. Before children entered, they were asked, "How scary do you want it?" so the spook factor could be toned down for younger children.

Westlake Village resident Natalie Armstrong decided to dress up as Wilma Flintstone to run the 5K.

"More people used to dress up for this, and the year I do, nobody else does," Armstrong said. "It's a little embarrassing."

But it was worth a little embarrassment and even running the race in a pumpkin-orange wig and huge plastic necklace. She won the costume contest for best female adult and was awarded a $25 gift card to Sport Chalet.

"It was unexpected and really nice," she said, describing the event as "a lot of fun, and my kids love it."