This month, a group of University of Missouri-Rolla students will sponsor a five-kilometer run/walk to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research.

The Great Strides 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, April 29, beginning at the Ber Juan Park pavilion on 14th Street in Rolla. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m. The public is invited to participate.

Sponsor forms are available at the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building or by contacting Dr. David J. Westenberg, associate professor of biological sciences at UMR, at (573) 341-4798 or by email at djwesten@mst.edu. Those who are unable to participate but would like to sponsor a walker or runner may contact Westenberg to do so.

In addition, Great Strides Sneakers will be sold for $1 at various Rolla businesses, at the UMR biological sciences department and from Great Strides student organizers.

“This is our fourth year hosting this event and we have had increased participation each year,” Westenberg says. “We have raised close to $3000 over the past three years and we are looking forward to an even bigger turnout this year.”

The walk is sponsored by members of the UMR SCRUBS, made up of students from UMR’s pre-dentistry, pre-med and pre-nursing majors.

All proceeds from the walk and the Sneakers sales will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The foundation raises funds for research into the life-threatening genetic disease which affects the lungs and digestive system.

Prizes will be awarded for walkers who raise large donations, but all participants who raise at least $100 will receive a “Team CF” T-shirt.

For more information or to request a sponsor form, contact Westenberg or email UMR student Shradha Samuel at ss9qd@mst.edu. Information is also available from the UMR biological sciences department at (573) 341-4831.