The Catholic Center at the University of Georgia is sponsoring its 26th annual 5K Human Run and Walk to benefit local charities on Saturday, March 20.

The race starts at 9 a.m. at the Catholic Center, and the course runs through Bloomfield Historic District. Long sleeve T-shirts with a new logo will be provided to all participants. Various awards will be given out to the top runners and walkers as well as door prizes and free food and beverages.

The proceeds from this race will be donated to three different charitable organizations. The first beneficiary is St. Mary’s Hospice, which specializes in healthcare for persons and their families facing end of life issues. The second is Camp St. Francis, which provides young children with a summer opportunity to develop leadership skills and build self-esteem. The third beneficiary is the Open Hearts Center, which provides families with basic necessities and offers them seminars on parenting skills and assistance in obtaining employment.

The 2004 Human Race Committee needs help distributing this information to the public and asks that persons able to help with media placement contact the Catholic Center. Organizers are also accepting donations for the race, which can be sent to the Catholic Center.

Cost is $15 per person or $45 per family before March 13, and $18 per person after that date. Early packet pick up is from 5:30-7 p.m. on March 19 at Stegeman Coliseum. Entry forms can be found on the Catholic Center’s Web site at www.uga.edu/cc. Parking is available at Stegeman Coliseum. Registration on race day is at 7 a.m. at the Catholic Center, located at 1344 South Lumpkin St., Athens. For more information call the Catholic Center at (706) 543-2293.