The OCCC Nursing Students Association and Student Physical Therapy Assistant Organization will sponsor the 3rd Annual Life Saver 5k and 1 mile Fun Run Sept. 17.

The event has seen its number of participants grow each year and OCCC Nursing Student Association President Jennifer Hader is keen to keep that trend going.

“I would very much like to encourage all current and previous nursing students to participate in the 5K, either by running or volunteering their time to help us make this event even more awesome than the last two,” Hader said.

Race Director and Associate Nursing Program Director Deborah Myers also is optimistic the number of participants will grow this fall.

“We’d like to have 500 participants and we’re hopeful that we’ll reach that number for this year’s run,” Myers said.

Whether it’s a serious run or a relaxed stroll around campus, participants don’t have to be in prime condition to take part in the event, she said.

“Everyone in the community is welcome to participate,” Myers said.

The majority of the proceeds generated by the event will go to supporting a scholarship fund, Hader said.

“All of the money raised in the race goes for either scholarships for students in the nursing program or back into the race.

“We had enough money to provide a scholarship to every applicant last year,” she said. “This year we’re expecting more students to apply so we of course want to work hard to provide for them.”

Hader said she also sees the event as a way of getting students involved on the community level.

“[The run] is also a great time to encourage our students in the Nursing department and the PTA students to work hard and know that we appreciate all they are doing to become great in their career fields,” she said.

The sponsors will offer prizes for the top three finishers in various age groups ranging from 12 and under to 80 years and above.

“There will be food, drinks, a live band and plenty of fun for the kids on the day of the race,” Hader said.

Registration for the event is currently open and anyone interested in participating is invited to register for the event either online or by mail.

Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 15. For fees, information and details about registering, visit www.occc.edu/lifesaver.