By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— For the first time in the Birmingham area, I Am Second, a faith-based movement meant to inspire people to live for God and for others, is sponsoring a fun run, 5k and 10k.

The races will be held at Oak Mountain State Park Saturday, April 9 at 8 a.m. and will benefit e3 Medical, an organization that sends volunteers and medical Supplies to 50 countries throughout the world.

e3 Partners is a ministry that has been serving other countries for about 28 years. The goal of the organization is to start small churches where there are none within walking distance of every community in the world, according to its website.

“It’s just a great experience and a great community event,” said Cindy Palmer, national director of development of I Am Second. “We are just really excited.”

Participants in the I Am Second 5K.10K.Fun Run can walk or jog through the trails of Oak Mountain State Park for any of the three race categories. All 5k and 10k finishers will receive a medal, and every participant also gets a race shirt, race bib and timing chip.

I Am Second ministry hosts a series of runs in several cities, according to Palmer. When places do well they continue in those cities, expanding into other locations as well.

“Our runs are very popular because the faith-based ministry knows who I Am Second is,” she said. “A lot of people are familiar with our ministry.”

This year, Palmer said they chose to bring the race to Oak Mountain State Park, in particular, because they thought the park was pretty and the race route was nice for attendees.

The fun run is a paved trail with a view of the Oak Mountain State Park Lake, and the 5k and 10k also have great views via park trails, Palmer said. She said the variety of race lengths also makes this a well-rounded event for young children and grandparents alike.

“All of our surveys so far have been extremely positive,” Palmer said. “It’s really fun.”

Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. with the fun run starting at 8 a.m. The 5k and 10k begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by an awards ceremony at 9:45 a.m.

Palmer said there will be music and booths for attendees to peruse after the race, including an I Am Second booth with merchandise.

For more information, visit E3partners.org, Iamsecond.org or Theiamsecondrun.com.