Chester County Connect Care (CCCC), formerly known as Chester County Women's Services, a nonprofit pregnancy care medical center, will present its annual 5K Run/Walk For Life on Saturday, Nov. 12, rain or shine, at Hibernia County Park in Coatesville.

The event will begin at 9 a.m., followed by awards and prizes for best times per age group for those running the 5K. New this year will be a category for children running the 5K. "We will have trophies for the top boy and girl winner for the kids age 13 and under," noted Nicole Crist, CCCC development director.

There will be separate registration fees for adults, teens ages 13 to 17 and children age 12 and under. All registered participants will get a bib and an event T-shirt.

This is the second year that the event is being held at Hibernia Park. "Last year, we had 385 participants. It was very successful," said Crist.

Crist explained that the 5K course makes a figure eight in the park. The runners will set off first, followed by the walkers. Families with children in strollers are welcome. However, jogging strollers are recommended because there is a portion of the course that is not paved and goes through a field.

The event will include an opening ceremony. "We have a pastor, and our vice president, Amy Cudd, will talk about our mission and where the funds are going," Crist said. A DJ will provide music throughout the event to encourage the participants.

Also participating in the 5K walk will be Myriam Ruager, CCCC executive director. "Myriam pushes an empty stroller to honor the unborn and the (babies) that have been lost," said Crist. "It is really powerful."

The fundraiser is designed to support the agency's ongoing mission to provide medical, educational and material support to women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. All services are 100% free and offered in both English and Spanish. Families are supported physically, emotionally and financially through basic pregnancy care, parenting education, peer counseling, a homeless prevention program and community referrals. CCCC's offices are located in Coatesville, Kennett Square and West Chester.

Hibernia County Park is located at 1 Park Road, Coatesville. For more information about the event and to register, visit http://www.runsignup.com/CCCC5K4LIFE. Same-day registrations will also be accepted.

More information about CCCC is available by visiting https://ccconnectcare.org or http://www.facebook.com/ccconnectcare or by calling 610-383-0930.