If you’re not ready to run a marathon or half marathon; don’t worry. We have the perfect event for you and your family. The 5KBR (formerly the BE5K) serves as the official kick-off to an exciting Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend and offers everyone with all different fitness abilities to be a part of this exciting weekend. Come walk/run our 5K (3.1 mile) course through downtown Birmingham while helping a great cause and being a part of the marathon experience. See our 5K training plan to learn how you can walk/ run this race even if you are currently a couch potato. And if you’re running our races on Sunday please join us for the 5KBR to loosen up your legs for your long distant race.

WHAT IS KID ONE, YOU ASK?

Kid One Transport is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides free transportation to medical, dental and mental health care services for children and expectant mothers in need throughout central and north central Alabama. Since 1997, Kid One has touched the lives of nearly 16,000 children and expectant mothers in need of transportation to preventive and critical health care services of all types. Tens of thousands more are in need of our service, but we can reach them with your support through events like the 5KBR.

AND WHAT IS KBR?

Coming soon.

OKAY, I’M INTERESTED. WHAT NEXT?

You can register online at www.active.com or go back to the home page of this web site and download a copy of the registration form or you can visit www.kidone.org for more information. Better yet, form a race team by becoming a Kid One Krew team captain! Simply recruit at least three people to join you in the race, settle on a team name, and go to Active.com and register your team. List your name as team captain and you’re ready to begin recruiting additional teammates and raising essential funds for Kid One! Fundraising deadline is March 15, 2010.

I DON’T WANT TO FORM A TEAM. CAN I STILL FUNDRAISE FOR THE 5K?

Absolutely! Fundraising is critical to the success of the 5KBR and individuals and teams alike can raise money in support of this event. When you fundraise for Kid One, you’re helping children and expectant mothers reach the care they so desperately need; care which many of us take for granted. Over the years, funds generated through the 5KBR have helped provide hope and healing to so many children and families throughout Alabama. Children like Tyshawn, who suffers from cerebral palsy and endured multiple skin grafts due to a severe burn injury, would never have been able to reach life-saving and life enhancing care without Kid One. Children like Alejandro, who suffered from a severe kidney ailment and required multiple trips to Children’s Hospital for treatments leading up to his kidney transplant, would never have been able to overcome some of life’s most daunting obstacles without access to proper medical care. Where would children like Kador, who suffers from a rare and debilitating form of cancer, be without Kid One? Where would young women facing difficult and potentially dangerous pregnancies be without Kid One? Please know that your support makes a difference in their lives. Encourage your family, friends and co-workers to join you in raising funds for the 5KBR. You’ll be glad you did.

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BRAVE IN BLUE CHALLENGE?

This rapidly-growing challenge is taken up by some of Alabama’s finest—our firefighters, police officers and EMS. The Brave In Blue compete for the best time individually or as a relay. Winners in each category win a trophy to proudly display. As you see them on the courses, tip your hat to our Brave In Blue in thanks for all that they do! If you are one of Alabama’s finest, please see the home page of this web site for registration forms specifically for Brave in Blue or for more information go to www.kidone.org. Also on Kid One web site, you can learn about how to honor a military hero through your participation in this race.

Here are some more details about the event.

PREMIUM PARTICIPANT AMENITIES AND PACKET PICKUP

All registered race participants will receive the 5KBR official race packet including the official 5KBR long sleeve technical running shirt. Race packets, along with race numbers and timing devices, can be picked up during the St. Vincent’s Health Systems Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, February 12 from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. The expo will be held at the BJCC South Exhibition Hall located at 2100 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. in downtown Birmingham. You may also pick up your packets and register for the event on race morning from 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. at Boutwell Auditorium located at 1930 8th Avenue North.  Race day registration will end PROMPTLY at 7:30 - so get there early!!  To avoid any delays or problems, we highly encourage you to register early and pick up your packets during the expo.

5KBR POST-RACE PARTY

The BJCC South Exhibition Hall is the place to be after the race! This annual celebration features a music, food and refreshments plus special entertainment to keep the entire family busy. Also featured will be cold beer from Michelob Ultra and lots of water, sports drinks and sodas. Health and fitness expo booths will be open for you to browse as well. The 5KBR awards ceremony will begin at approximately 9 a.m. See you there!

DANNY’S FAMOUS COUCH TO 5KBR

You’re not sure you can run or even walk a 5K (3.1 miles) yet? You’re not alone, but you’ll be shocked at how easily you can achieve it. Formal 5KBR training for local runners will be offered beginning in January 2010 and it’s only $25, payable on your first day of training. Danny Haralson of the Birmingham Track Club will personally lead you in his tried and true Couch-To-5KBR Training Program. Visit www.RunUniversity.com to find a detailed plan to take you from your couch to a 5K in less than eight weeks!

RUN/WALK POLICY

The 5KBR is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. There is no age limit. Minors must have a legal parent or legal guardian sign the entry form to be eligible. Due to insurance regulations, unregistered runners, unauthorized vehicles, baby joggers, inline skates, bicycles, skateboards and other non-official wheeled vehicles are prohibited on the courses. Pets and smoking, including cigars, are also prohibited. Any participant breaking one of these rules will be removed from the course and disqualified.

TIMING

Winners of the 5KBR race will be determined by official race timing devices that you will be given with your race packet. Devices should be attached to your shoe before you begin the race. Be aware that timing devices are not guaranteed to be available for race day registration, but are not required to participate. If you don’t want to use the device during the race, immediately return it to the race officials when you pick up your packet. Don’t ask for it back Saturday morning though because it will be deactivated. Official timing for the 5KBR is based on Gun Time or Overall Awards and Chip Time for Age Group Awards.

5KBR REGISTRATION

Go Green and register online through www.active.com. It’s the best way to sign up and your registration is immediate. If you must, you can print off a registration form from the home page of this web site. Please be aware of the mailing deadlines. If you miss the deadlines you can register at the Expo on February 12 or on race morning from 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. at Boutwell Auditorium.

5KBR "Fit from Home"

If you are unable to participate on race day you can still support Kid One Transport by registering for the 5KBR Fit from Home.  Your registration fee will go directly to Kid One Transport and you will still be able to get a race bag filled with goodies and a long sleeved technical race shirt.  Race bags will need to be picked up at the Expo.

Hard Copy registrations …………………………………….………………$30
Mail in entries MUST be postmarked by January 30, 2010 and received in our office by February 3, 2010.
On-line registration through midnight on February 6, 2010……………….$30
Expo or on race day Registration……………………………………………$40