In 1978, Vince Dooley was still two years away from leading the Georgia Bulldogs to a football national championship, there was a peanut farmer in the White House, and bellbottom jeans were in style.

It was also the year the University of Georgia’s Catholic Center held its first Human Race.

The annual fundraising event helps local non-profit organizations and has been increasingly successful each year. Last year, more than 400 runners raised some $15,000.

March 1 marks the 30th anniversary of the 5K Human Race.

The University of Georgia’s Catholic Center invites everyone to lace up their sneakers and attend.

This year the race will benefit three organizations: the Franciscan Helping Hands Outreach, which provides opportunities for Catholic Center students to assist the Athens community; the summer art and music camp sponsored by the Catholic Center; and Camp Summer Spree, a summer camp for nearly 30 teenagers who struggle with poverty and harmful effects of neglect and abuse.

Registration starts at the Catholic Center, 1344 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, at 7 a.m., and the race kicks off at 9 a.m. The registration fee, which includes a long-sleeve T-shirt, is $15 for an individual by Feb. 25 and $18 after the deadline. A family of four can register for a special rate of $55 before Feb. 25 and $65 after.

This is a chance to get involved in the community and help others in need. Prizes and giveaways will be offered, and awards will be given to the top runners in each five-year age division. Refreshments will be provided.