Ozzie's Home Run and Walk 5K set for May 21

The Kane County Cougars will host the fifth annual Ozzie's Home Run and Walk 5K at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. Registration is now open for the event at kccougars.com as well as racetime.info and signmeup.com. New in 2016, Ozzie's "Inside the Park Dash" is a roughly half-mile fun run for children through age 12 that will be held inside the ballpark.

A portion of race proceeds from both events will benefit Ozzie's Outreach, the Cougars' charitable foundation that gives back to a variety of local causes each year, including the Cougars' own "Ozzie's Scholars" reading scholarship program.

Open to both competitive runners and recreational walkers, Ozzie's Home Run and Walk 5K will finish on the field at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. All 5K and fun run participants will be seen on the ballpark's videoboard through a live-feed camera and can receive a high-five from Ozzie T. Cougar on the final stretch of the race inside the ballpark. Families with children are encouraged to participate as strollers are permitted and there is a special discounted rate for participants between 5 and 18 years old.

5K participants who register by Friday, May 13, are guaranteed a commemorative race shirt featuring the new Cougars race logo. All 5K participants will also receive a complimentary ticket voucher that is valid for any 2016 Cougars game. Other surprises on race day include door prizes and raffles for ceremonial first pitches, unique ballpark experiences and more. The top three male and female finishers in 14 age division categories will win a customized race medal with the Ozzie's Home Run and Walk logo, courtesy of Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes, Inc. of Geneva.

After the race, participants can enjoy a variety of refreshments including a complimentary hot dog or brat, as well as beer for participants, age 21 and older. The 5K, which features chip timing is an out-and-back course featuring several types of terrain such as grass, gravel and paved surfaces both inside the ballpark and on the ballpark grounds.

Register through May 18 and the price is $33 or $20 for 5- to 18-year-olds. It will be $38 or $25 for age 5-18 from May 19 through race day. There is a $5 race fee for Ozzie's Inside the Park Dash.

Additional information, including a downloadable race flyer, is available at kccougars.com.