Charleston Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a 40-mile relay challenge at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Carl Sandburg Middle School.

Marjorie Hoedebecke, a receptionist for the 40-mile challenge, said the challenge is strictly a running relay race.

Hoedebecke said the race has acquired positive response from previous years, something she said the Parks and Recreation Department is pleased with.

“The registration for this year has already exceeded last year,” she said. “We’re grateful that it has grown in popularity.”

Unlike the Charleston Duathlon that took place earlier in the fall, Hoedebecke said the 40-mile challenge will consist only of running.

Hoedebecke said the funds raised from the challenge will go towards operation costs, including t-shirts, trophies and a meal for participants provided by Smokey’s House BBQ.

She said the extra money will be used to provide Charleston residents free programs throughout the year, as well as money towards a scholarship program through Eastern’s Recreation Administration

department.

Hoedebecke said currently, four individuals, one duo and 13 teams of four have registered for the event.

Individual registration is $60; duo registration is $110; and four-person teams are $160.

Hoedebeke said the range of racers’ ages is from college age to mid-60s.

Hoedebecke said although participants were encouraged to pre-register for the race, on-site applicants will be accepted as well.

The race will begin at Carl Sandburg School, located at 1924 Reynolds Dr.

Sara Hall can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].