Local residents will have the opportunity to get some healthy exercise outside on Saturday with a 5K hosted by the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Live Healthy Iowa.

CHC is “thrilled” to partner with Live Healthy Iowa to invite people out on a beautiful spring morning for a walk or run, said Regina Suhrbier, outreach coordinator for the Community Health Center.

“A portion of every registration goes to the Community Health Center, so it’s just a nice way to get outdoors and give back to the community at the same time,” she said.

Pre-registration is closed, but on-site registration will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday, with the 5K kicking off at 8 a.m. at Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center.

Registration is $30 and includes a race number, finisher medal, limited quantities of Live Healthy 5K T-shirts, opportunities to win door prizes and a $10 gift card from sponsor Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

Suhrbier said while many participants may be there just for a brisk walk or a light jog, for those who do want to compete for the fastest times, there will be certificates for the winning male and female competitors.

After the 5K, there’s going to be a kids’ 1K around the aquatic center at 9 a.m. The kids’ 1K is for ages 12 and younger and registration is $5.

This is the first Live Healthy Iowa 5K event hosted in Fort Dodge, Suhrbier said. And while the local run is happening, events will be happening at the same time all around the state in Bondurant, Britt, Carroll, Dickinson County, Dike, Fort Madison, Monroe County, Sergeant Bluff, Spencer and Story City.

“The Live Healthy Iowa 5K will be the first in-person LHI event since COVID-19 forced us to cancel many events in 2020,” said Director of Live Healthy Iowa Nicole Kennedy. “This will be a great and safe opportunity for participants as we kick off Go The Distance May.”

“We are excited to partner with LHI to bring this run/walk to Fort Dodge,” said Suhrbier. “It’s a great way to promote wellness as well as fundraise for the health center.”