Bob Blazier arts run has new children's event this year

It's time for the 11th annual Bob Blazier Run for the Arts. This year's event will be held May 4, and will feature a new 50-yard dash for children, a 5K and a 1-mile event.

The 5K, a Chicago Area Runners Association-registered event, begins at 8 a.m. Participants can either walk or run the course. The 1-mile event, starting at 8:45 a.m., is open to all ages, with ribbons awarded to finishers. The new 50-yard dash, starting at 9 a.m., is for children ages 12 and younger, with fun prizes awarded to top finishers.

The event course runs through the scenic neighborhoods of Crystal Lake, with the starting line at North Williams and Paddock streets and the finish in front of the Raue Center. The course is asphalt/concrete and is USA Track & Field-certified. Water will be available along the course and food and drinks will be available at the finish line. Split times will be announced at miles 1, 2 and 3. First aid stations are located at the beginning, mile 2 and end of the course.

Runners with baby joggers and strollers are not allowed in the race. In addition, bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates, other wheeled vehicles except wheelchairs, and dogs will not be allowed on the course.

Participants can raise additional funds for Raue Center by collecting pledges. A pledge form can be downloaded at www.rauecenter.org.

A little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Get your family and friends together and register a team to participate. Businesses can take the corporate challenge. Establish a team of employees to participate in the event. Special prizes will be awarded to the largest team. For more information, visit Web site www.rauecenter.org.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event benefit the Raue Center, and will be used to support its many programs. T-shirts will be given to the first 300 participants who register.

Early-bird registration is available through April 25. The fee structure is:

5K-Before April 25: Adults, $30; CARA members, $28; under age 12, $20; under age 12 CARA members, $18.

5K-After April 25: Adults, $35; CARA members, $28; Under age 12, $25; under age 12, CARA members, $18.

1 Mile, all dates: $15.

Packet pickup will be held from noon to 5 p.m. May 2 and 9 a.m. to noon May 3 at Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Race Day registration will be available from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m.

To register for the race, visit www.rauecenter.org.

The Chicago Area Runners Association is a nonprofit organization devoted to expanding, motivating, supporting and celebrating the running community of the Chicago area. To learn more about CARA, visit www.cararuns.org.