WVU Health Sciences Center to host 5K run

Tie up your sneakers and step into a good cause.

The Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center is hosting its 20th annual September Stride 5K Run and Walk Saturday at 9 a.m.

Rain or shine, the race will set the start and finish line in the front of Ruby Memorial Hospital.

The yearly race, sponsored by WVU Healthcare’s Rehabilitation Services, benefits the Richard Rosenbaum Memorial Fund, which supports children with cystic fibrosis and other pulmonary diseases.

The fund is named after Rick Rosenbaum, who was treated for cystic fibrosis at Ruby Memorial until his death at age 36.

His family established the fund in his honor and created the Rosenbaum Family House, where patients at WVU Healthcare centers can stay with their families while receiving medical treatments.

The 3.1-mile race includes a rolling, two-loop course around the hospital parking lots and along Van Voorhis Road, with one water stop and mile split times.

Early registration for the event has closed, but race hopefuls can still sign up now until race day for $25.

"We get some out-of-town participants for the race, and we get great support from WVU students," said race co-director Tom Druge.

Smiley Miles will provide timing for all participants, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women finishers.

One hundred fifty dollars is up for grabs for the first place finisher, $100 for second and $50 for third place.

There is an additional $100 cash prize for any runner who sets a new course record. The current course record for men is 15:11 and 16:34 for women.

The race has also featured a notable list of runners from past years.

"We have had at least one Olympian run and win the race – Megan Wright from Canada, and WVU and several US Olympic Trials Qualifiers, namely Mike Dudley, who ran for WVU and in the 2000 Marathon trials race," Druge said.

Various prize drawings will also be available for all in attendance, and the first 200 registrants will receive a free event t-shirt.

There will be plenty of fun for the whole family – the event will feature arts and crafts activities all morning, along with mini kids’ races to get little feet moving.

Three youth races will begin at 10 a.m., including two short runs for the younger crowd and a 1K for older kids.

While there is no cost for participation, each child must be registered to partake in the race.

WVU students seeking volunteering opportunities can earn two hours of volunteer credit by participating in the event.

For those looking to make their morning jog something special, the September Stride 5K is the way to go Saturday morning.