THON accepting applications for annual 5K, scheduled for Oct. 23

THON accepting applications for annual 5K, scheduled for Oct. 23

The THON 5K, to be held Sunday morning, Oct. 23, benefits the Four Diamonds Fund, which helps pediatric cancer patients and families and also funds pediatric cancer research. THON's slogan is 'For the Kids,' often shortened to FTK.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon’s 11th annual 5K -- the largest 5K in central Pennsylvania -- is accepting applications for its race and "fun run" to be held Sunday, Oct. 23, on Penn State's University Park campus.

With 5,700 registrants racing for a cure for pediatric cancer in 2010, this year's THON 5K once again will welcome Penn State students, Four Diamonds Fund volunteers, patients, their families and other interested participants taking to the course to show their support "For the Kids."

Both runners and walkers are invited to partake in the 5K, while the fun run is available for participants who wish to run or walk at their own pace. A kids’ race also will take place at 11 a.m. The 5K starts at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Bryce Jordan Center -- the home of THON Weekend, Feb. 17-19 in 2012 -- on the corner of University Drive and Curtin Road.

The day will include music provided by DJ Larry Moore, food and prizes for participants. Following the kids’ race and prior to the start of the 5K, a Four Diamonds family will speak to kick off the race.

Registration fees for the THON 5K are $15 for each fun run participant and $18 for each competitive racer, which includes the cost of a professional timing chip. In 2010, THON began giving runners the option of purchasing a professional timing chip for the competitive run.

All proceeds from the race will go toward the 2012 Dance Marathon fundraising total, which will be donated to the Four Diamonds Fund and the Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

For further details about the THON 5K and to register, visit http://thon.org/FT5K online.