Thanks shipo. 
I do have something similar to the Yaktrax. I have these STABILicers:
http://www.mec.ca/product/5015-800/stabilicers-lite-cleat-traction-device/
I find them a little clompy and they make my lightweight running shoes a bit heavier. I have worn them a couple of times, but would prefer not to have to and it's mostly been OK without them, unless I'm jogging in the provincial park on snowy trails, and then they're pretty good, but then the dogs are more of a handful on leash in that forested park, since there's wildlife in there and sometimes deer. Heh. I try to mostly stick to the paved trails that the city keeps cleared off. They have some clear patches of pavement and a bit of packed snow here and there and small bits of ice, but so far pretty much OK to run on. I'm in Alberta, Canada, by the way. When I started this program, there was no snow... not an ideal time of year to start this, but I wanted something to accomplish, since I have a shoulder injury right now and other things are more limited, like the cross country skiing that I usually do more of than I currently am.
Wow, I just checked and the run that I signed up for at the end of December is now sold out !! Good thing I took a chance and registered early ! And the jackets that are included as part of the entry fee, it looks like they will be orange this year ! Woo hoo ! One of my favourite colours !!!
http://www.runningroom.com/hm/inside.php?id=3153
I'm doing about 3 km in my walk-jogs just now, on week 6, so I doubt I will be doing 5 km by the end of my 9 weeks, but I'll do what I can and walk for part of the race if I need to.
- Lisa