Wanting to do something healthy for Carbondale, the city police, fire department and hospital are sponsoring the 4th annual Carbondale Fit for Life 5K run and fitness walk this Saturday, a Memorial Hospital official says.

The race is a healthy way for serious runners and walkers to stay in shape, Peggy Thompson, registered nurse patient advocator, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital said.

People should participate in the event because running and walking are cheap ways for people to maintain aerobic health and also strengthen their heart, Thompson said.

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The race will start at 8 a.m. and will be held in Carbondale.

The race route will start at Phoenix Cycles, 300 S. Illinois and will head south going towards the SIUC campus, Thompson said. The route on campus will go by Thompson Point and the route will finish at the start of the race at Phoenix Cycles. There will also be a Fun Run for kids at the event that is a mile long.

Officials from Memorial Hospital will be at the event to assist runners and walkers if there are health problems or injuries

We will set up in an empty garage beside P.K.’s, 308 S. Illinois giving free blood pressure checks and lung capacity measurements before and after the race. Also after the race, free massage therapy will be available, Thompson said.

Thompson said awards will be given to the top three finishers and teams in all age groups and that local merchants have donated door prizes.

Course certification for the event should be received by the sponsors of the event before race day. The certification is submitted to the USA Track and Field Federation, Don Strom, Carbondale police chief said.

Course certification is important because if a runner or walker sets a state or national record it will be recorded, Strom said.

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Strom said there has been a big turn out in recent years for the event.

There is usually 275 to 300 people that attend the event. People come from Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana, Strom said.

Strom said it will be announced this week what roads will be closed for the race and where the detours will be located.

Registration packets for the event can be picked up at any of the sponsors locations. The entry fee is $10 before the race day and $15 dollars on race day.