Employees from the Heath Education Resource Center and the Student Community Service department will host their fourth annual Kick Butts Day.

The event is open to the Charleston, Mattoon and surrounding communities, and the day will consist of a 5K walk and run followed by a community picnic. The day begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at Charleston Morton Park.

There will also be games, free food and educational community information about the risks associated with tobacco use.

Ryan Messinger, the assistant director of health education and promotion at the HERC, said the event began four years ago when the HERC received a grant to perform a community outreach program.

Registration for the walk and run is $12 for adults and $6 for ages 12 and under. The registration fee also includes a T-shirt, snacks and refreshments.

Catherine Bocke, the marketing, public relations and web design coordinator at the HERC, said about 86 people have registered for the event and participants can also register the day of the event at 8 a.m.

“We are expecting over 100 runners and walkers,” Bocke said. “We will have a lot of activities for all ages, including a bouncy house and educational coloring pages for kids.”

Bocke and Messinger said they agree the overall goal of the day is not only focused on education, but also community involvement.

“Education is the main goal, but it is also a great kick-off to spring and a way for the community service and educational side to mesh too,” Messinger said.

The event is scheduled to end at about 2 p.m. and Hit-Mix 88.9 WEIU-FM will provide music and entertainment throughout the day.

Bocke said she encourages students to attend the community picnic if they do not wish to participate in the run and walk.

“It is a fun day and a good way to just get off campus for a little while,” Bocke said.

Amy Wywialowski can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].