By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Serious runners, causal runners and anyone in between will have a chance to participate in a race in late March to support the Open Hands Overflowing Hearts and Elaine Roberts foundations.

The fourth annual Run For Their Lives 10k, 5k and one mile fun run is set for Saturday, March 31 at Helena High School and registration is open now for anyone interested.

OHOH was founded in 2014 by Kayla Funk of Hoover in response to her diagnosis of Neuroblastoma and the Elaine Roberts Foundation was founded by Laura Roberts in 2016 in memory of her daughter, Elaine, who was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. Elaine Roberts was a student at Thompson High School when she was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma and passed away just 10 months after her diagnosis. Roberts died on Feb. 6, 2016 at the age of 16.

The mission of both organizations is to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research, find a cure and ultimately bring an end to childhood cancer and proceeds from the race will benefit both organizations.

 Online registration is open now until March 28. Once online registration closes, those wishing to participate can register at packet pick-up on March 30 or sign up on site the day of the race.

The cost of the 5k will be $35 before March 28, the one-mile fun run will cost $25 before March 28, the sleep in/virtual race will be $30 and the 10k will cost $45 before March 28.

Race day registration will begin at 6 a.m. and end at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 10k beginning at 7:45 a.m., 5k beginning at 8 a.m. and one mile fun run beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Race participants will be provided water and Powerade along the route and refreshments at the end of the race. Awards will be given to the top three race times overall and then awards by age group and gender. T-shirts will be guaranteed for those registered by midnight on March 15

New to this year’s event will be the Beads of Courage Carry a Bead Program to encourage a child coping with cancer at Children’s of Alabama. For $10, a participant will receive a matched bead set. One bead will be kept by the participant and the other you carry and return with a signed note of encouragement. The shared story becomes a source of shared strength for a child that gives hope, honor and courage. These may be purchased during registration.

Helena High School is located at 1310 Hillsboro Parkway.

For more information and to sign up for the race, visit Runsignup.com/Race/AL/Helena/OHOH5K10KandFunRun.