Linda A. Krutsinger 14

The need for a community event in which all families can participate is the reason the annual Fit for Life 5K run, walk and Rollerblade was organized, a local hospital spokeswoman says.

This is an event that not only shows collaboration with the community services, said Peggy Thompson, a registered nurse patient educator at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, but also provides a cheap way for people to maintain aerobic health and strengthen their hearts.

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The fifth-annual event Saturday is sponsored by the Carbondale Police, Fire Department and the hospital, as part of Carbondale Fire Safety Week.

A special 1-mile race, open to children and those who may not be in condition for a longer route, will start at 8 a.m. Saturday, while the longer 5K event starts at 8:30 a.m.

(The mile race) is a good place for those participants who have smaller children but still want to run, Thompson said.

The race route will start at the Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave., and will head south toward the SIUC campus. The route on campus will go by McAndrew Stadium, past the Student Center, along Lincoln Drive and will finish at the start of the race at the Civic Center.

Local merchants have donated awards and ribbons that will be given to the top three finishers and teams in all age categories.

A station to assist participants with any health problems or injuries will be set up inside the Civic Center. Also, after the race, free massage therapy will be available.

Rollerbladers are required to wear protective knee pads, helmet and wrist guards to participate in the event.

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This is the second year we have allowed Rollerbladers to participate, Thompson said. We are hoping that their participation will increase in years to come.

Course certification for the event should be received by the sponsors of the event before race day. The certification will be submitted to the USA Track and Field Federation in the event a runner or walker sets a state or national record.

Registration can be made in-person from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Carbondale Civic Center. The entry fee is $12 for entries received on or before Friday and $15 Saturday.

Kim Marnati, administrative assistant to the Carbondale chief of police, said 200 to 300 people are expected to participate in the event. People come from Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana to participate.

Packets for the 5K Races must be picked up between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the Civic Center. Packets will include a long-sleeve T-shirt and course information.

Registration will close at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race.

Factoid:The Fit for Life 5K Run, Walk and Rollerblade begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Carbondale Civic Center.

The entry fee is $12 if received before Friday, and $15 the day of the race.

Participants may register from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave.