Healthy Hop races to be held Saturday

The Kane County Health Department is encouraging residents to participate in its Ninth Annual Healthy Hop on Saturday as a way to celebrate physical fitness during National Public Health Week.

This year, the Health Department is targeting young people to take part in the race as part of its anti-obesity campaign, "Making Kane County Fit for Kids."

The Healthy Hop includes a 5K race, 1 Mile Fun Run and the Tots Hop. The entry fee is $10 if registered, $15 on race day. To register, visit www.kanehealth.com and follow the Healthy Hop links. Participating in the Tots Hop is free.

"We think the Healthy Hop combines the best of both worlds. It addresses the serious issue of physical fitness for children, while being something that's just plain fun," Kane County Health Department Executive Director Paul Kuehnert said.

Last year's Healthy Hop was one of the largest, with approximately 500 runners registering. Check-in time is 7:30 a.m. at the Kane County Government Center. Starting time is 8:50 a.m. for the One Mile Fun Run and 9 a.m. for the 5K. Runners will compete in one of 13 age groups. Runners also can enter as four-member teams.

All 5K and One Mile runners will receive a T-shirt, raffle tickets and goodie bag, and a ribbon. Awards will be issued for top overall 5K male and female runners, the top 5K male and female masters, and the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Also, the top 10 One Milers ages 12 and under will receive awards. The course is certified by USA Tack & Field. More information is available at www.kanehealth.com.