If anyone has ever wanted to feel like a champion runner, this Saturday is their opportunity.

Eastern, Charleston, McDonalds and the Shirt Factory will host the fourth annual 2.5K Homecoming Race.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. at the corner of Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue, and will head down to the Square and back up Sixth Street. The race concludes at the Bank of America, which is located on the corner of Sixth Street and Lincoln.

“Last year we had about 166 registered participants,” said John Henry Pommier, Homecoming race coordinator and associate recreation professor.

“The runners will have incredible support that most runners would never experience in a race,” Pommier said, since the race precedes the Homecoming Parade.

McDonalds will be providing brunch and gift packs to all participants and volunteers in the race. Over $500 in prizes will be awarded for the first and second place male and female finishers in each age division.

There are many different age divisions, which range from 12 and younger all the way to those 80 and above. A race for children age 10 and younger begins at 8:15 a.m. “Even my seven year old is going to run the race,” Pommier said.

In addition to running, wheelchair and walking events will also take place.

All divisions begin at the same time, so it is expected to be a relatively short race.

Cindy Tozer, director of an academic services program for student athletes, has been participating in the race for the past two years.

“It’s a tradition for me now,” she said. “I just want to be a part of it.”

Tozer said the race was a great experience.

“Running past all those people just makes you smile, and it gets you more exhilarated. It gets your adrenaline pumping since people are cheering for you on the sidelines.”

The race costs $7, and interested parties can register the day of the event or at the Student Recreation Center.

Tozer and Pommier think the race is a great way for students, faculty and residents of Charleston to get involved in Homecoming. They both agree that it is not necessary to be an athlete to participate.