ShawneeDispatch.com

In its fifth year, Run for Mercy will offer something different to runners - a new 10K course.

Race coordinator James Lawson said this year, the 10K runners will venture north of Johnson Drive before returning to Mill Valley High School.

Run for Mercy is a 5K or 10K walk or run that serves as the primary fundraiser for Oceans of Mercy. The organization is a nonprofit charity that helps children infected with or affected by HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa.

The race will begin at 8 a.m. April 19 at Mill Valley. Festivities include food, live music, free participant massages, children's activities including a fun run, vendor fair, authentic South African items for sale and Chris Cakes pancakes.

The event raised about $24,000 and had about 980 participants last year.

Lawson said he hopes for more participation this year with a goal of 1,000 to 1,100 runners and walkers.

"We try to gain enough sponsorship to cover the expenses of the run, and then all of the participants are donators to the cause," he said.

Participants can register online at oceansofmercy.com. There, users have the option to send their registration in electronically or to print it off and mail it in. Lawson said the last date to mail in registration is April 13. Registration forms also are available at Country Club Cafe, 21911 W. 66th St. Runners also may register the day of the event by 7:30 a.m., although Lawson recommends participants register by Friday.

Lawson said event planners are excited to see how much the event has grown in its five years since inception.

"It started as kind of a grass-roots movement and it has really blown up in a way," he said. "I think it is an example of how the community itself has embraced the event."

5th annual Run for Mercy

April 19, Mill Valley High School

10K run begins at 8 a.m.; 5K begins at 8:10 a.m.

Registration fees 5K 10K

Individual (through 4/18) $20 $24

Individual (race day) $25 $29

Youth (under 16) $10 $15