Registration is now open for the 2013 Run with the Duck 5k, which will be held at 9 a.m. Nov. 9, beginning at Hayward Field. The fourth-annual event is intended to promote healthy lifestyles for members of the University of Oregon community.

All UO faculty, staff and students are invited to run for free in the event, which is sponsored by the UO’s Healthy Campus Initiative. Others, including family members of UO employees or students, are asked to bring $15 each to the race. All participants will receive long-sleeve T-shirts.

A free training program is offered every Monday and Wednesday at 5 p.m. leading up to the race, with participants meeting in the Student Recreation Center lobby. Three training programs are available: Walk, Walk-to-Jog and Run.

There is no sign-up required for training; participants are allowed to attend any and all sessions that fit their schedules. However, the weekly training sessions are highly encouraged for support, motivation, challenge and variety.

Timing chips will be available for runners to be able to track their rate of completion. Music and pre- and post-race snacks will also be available.

The event aims to bring the university and surrounding community together to be active and make fitness fun.

Last year’s event had almost 500 participants, and even more people are expected to be involved this year. Visit healthyoregon.uoregon.edu and click on the events tab to register. For community members, the $15 will be collected at the race before receiving timing chips and bib numbers.

- by Sarah MacKenzie, UO Office of Strategic Communications intern