Lace up your running shoes and help the York County Chapter of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program provide new toys for needy children this holiday season.

The first annual Tega Cay Toys for Tots 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Fun Run / Walk will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Turner Field on the corner of Tega Cay Drive and Watertrace Drive in Tega Cay.

The run will begin at Turner Field and go along Tega Cay Drive with its rolling hills along the golf course. Competitive runners, novice joggers, casual walkers and families will enjoy the 5K run as it heads down the asphalt road surface and returns to finish on Mondotrack FTX at Turner Field.

The finish line surface is the same that the competitors ran on at the Beijing Olympics.

The 5K course is certified by USA Track and Field, the national governing body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the U.S.

"Last year we held a golf tournament at Waterford that raised $6,000 for 'Toys,' " said Duke Speed, a partner in Run Adventurz, which is a new, local event management company organizing the event.

"Our goal for this run is $10,000 with the net proceeds going to the kids for toys."

And for real competitive runners, those who win, place or show will have something to show for it.

"Awards will be given to the top three finishers in the various age groups for men and women. There will also be a noncompetitive one-mile fun run or walk for those wanting to participate," Speed said.

"We will have T-shirts for pre-registered 5K participants, goodie bags, music by Little Maestro Ricky, face painting, and a vendor expo after the run."

When asked if he was running, Speed said he is a runner, but would be too busy working at the event to be able to participate.

"We have over a hundred runners and twenty sponsors and we are a week away from the event," he explained.

Donations of a new, unwrapped toy on race day morning will be accepted for the Toys for Tots.

For information on becoming a sponsor or to register, go to www.RunAdventurz.com or call Speed at 322-2488.

Fees are $25 for the 5K and $7 for the fun run/walk.

"Our goal for this run is $10,000 with the net proceeds going to the kids for toys."