The 10th Annual Great Bend Firefighters Run for MDA is set for June 23, with 5K and 10K runs starting at 8 a.m. in front of Fire Station No. 1, 1205 Williams St.
Firefighter Mark Orth said there will also be a 1.8-mile fun walk starting at 8:15 a.m. that morning. Registration for all events starts at 7 a.m.
The Great Bend Fire Department has a long-standing tradition of raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Orth said. “We do a Boot Block the Friday before Labor Day.”
The  run and walk started in 2002 as another way to raise money for the nonprofit health association. The event has usually been scheduled for the third Saturday in June, but this year it has been moved to the fourth Saturday. All of the proceeds will go to the MDA Ark Valley Chapter.
Awards will be given to the first-place overall male and female in each run,and to the top three male and female runners in each age group for the 5K and 10K. Age groups will be in 10-year increments. Each entrant will get a T-shirt.
Early registration is going on now, and the fee is $12 for the runs and $10 for the walk. Entries received after Saturday, June 9, including race-day entries, will cost $15 for the runs and $12 for the walk.
To request an entry form call the Great Bend Fire Department, 620-793-4140 or send e-mail to gbfd432@hotmail.com or gbfd416@hotmail.com.
Founded in 1950, MDA is dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.