By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – Registration is now open for a run that will quite literally save lives and help fund research to end childhood cancer.

The fifth annual Run For Their Lives 10k, 5k and fun run is set for Saturday, April 20, at Helena High School as both casual and serious runners alike are encouraged to register as the race will support the Open Hands Overflowing Hearts and Elaine Roberts foundations.

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 as proceeds from the race will benefit both organizations.

Online registration is open now until April 15. Once online registration closes, those wishing to participate can register at packet pick-up on April 19 or sign up on site the day of the race.

The cost of the 5k will be $35 before April 17, the one-mile fun run will cost $25 before April 17, the sleep in/virtual race will be $30 and the 10k will cost $45 before April 17.

Race day registration will begin at 6 a.m. and end at 7:45 a.m., team photos will take place at 7:20 a.m. followed by the national anthem, prayer and balloon release at 7:50 a.m. before the 10K begins at 8 a.m. The remaining races will include the 5K at 8:15 a.m., the one-mile fun run at 8:45 a.m. and the awards ceremony at 9:15 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 April 3.

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.