West Virginia University students and community members will come together on Saturday, April 17 to race for the earth.

In honor of Earth Day, WVU’s Office of Sustainability, Morgantown’s Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners, Monongalia County Solid Waste Authority, The Dominion Post, Morgantown Utility Board and WE CAN are hosting the third annual Impact E.A.R.T.H. (Environmental Awareness and Respecting Tomorrow’s Home) and 5k race at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The WVU Society of Environmental Professionals and the WVU Entomology Department will also be participating.

The race is for both runners and walkers and will begin at 11 a.m. There will also be a one-mile youth run starting at 12 p.m.

Runners and walkers can pre-register by visiting http://www.iplayoutside.com , or register at the event from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The registration fee is $20 and proceeds will go towards a grant program used to fund recycling, conservation and cleaning projects in the Morgantown area.

There will also be a a community-wide clean-up effort, environmental educational booths and live music by The New Relics and Brian Porterfield at the event.

“The event is designed to show visitors how they can live more sustainably, recycle, conserve and live more ‘green.’ We want everyone to come out, celebrate the earth, enjoy music, food and a nice run all while having fun,” said Laura Layva, race director.

All runners and walkers will be eligible to win prizes. There will be awards for first, second and third place winners in each age category for both male and female contestants.

Prizes will include flats of flowers for first place winners, spa treatment gift certificates at the Waterfront Place Hotel, a rafting package from Cheat River Outfitters, a round of golf for four at The Pines, free movie passes to Hollywood Theatres, Shields Nursery coupons and Wal-Mart gift cards.

All children participating in the youth run will receive gardening kits containing seeds, peat pots and soil.

The race is part of the Morgantown Grand Prix, which consists of eight competitive races for year 2010.

For more information, visit http://wecan.wvu.edu .

-WVU-

ep/4/12/2010

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