The Jacksonville Memorial Hospital 5K/10K presented by Gatorade kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, on the campus of the nonprofit hospital, 1600 W. Walnut Street, Jacksonville.

“Be prepared for a personal record as both courses are flat and fast,” said Kevin Eckhoff, who has served as the director of the race since its start in 1994, when the event was known as the Passavant-Gatorade 5K/10K. The race has grown to include nearly 400 runners, some of whom travel from other states each year to participate in the popular race.

Online registration is open through Oct. 21. Cost is $30. Register by Oct. 10 to guarantee a race-branded tech shirt. Registration fees are $35 on the day of the race. To register online, visit raceroster.com/events/2022/58603/jmh-gatorade-5k10k.

First, second and third place awards will be presented to male and female runners in 13 age categories. In addition, the first 350 runners to cross the finish line receive a custom finisher’s medal.

In-person registration and packet pick-up will be offered from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield. A second opportunity to register in-person will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, in the main lobby of Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

Proceeds from this year’s race benefit the Jacksonville Youth Engagement Program, which helps children from low-income households participate in sports, extracurricular activities and mentoring programs.