Chester County Connect Care (CCCC), a nonprofit medical care pregnancy center, will present its annual 5K Run/Walk For Life on Saturday, Nov. 9, rain or shine, at Hibernia County Park in Coatesville. In addition to running and walking activities, this year's event will include a fun run/walk, a Pup Station for dogs and a new element this year, a Diaper Derby for toddlers.

By including the special activities, organizers are hoping to attract local families. "We are super excited about the 5K this year and really are looking forward to an incredible event," said Stacey McNutt, CCCC events coordinator. "With the addition of the Diaper Derby and some kid-friendly fun, we (hope) many families will continue to come out and enjoy a nice morning with us."

Race-day registration will open at 8 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the fun run/walk at 9:15 a.m. "The 5K is a paved surface. It has low-grade inclines and declines and goes through trees and the campground," McNutt said. "It is on road and gravel, not on grass. (Runners and walkers) will begin at Pavilion 5, run through the campgrounds and come back and end where they started."

First-, second- and third-place medals awarded will be to the top three male and female finishers for each age group and the overall male and female winners of the 5K.

Youngsters in strollers along with dogs on leashes are welcome to be a part of the fun run/walk, which will be less than 1 mile. "We will have a Pup Station, and everyone who registered their dog will get a bandana for their pet. We will have treats for the dogs and water," said McNutt. All children age 12 and under in the fun run/walk will get a participation medal.

"We will also have a hot cocoa and coffee bar, doughnuts, soft pretzels, chips and other refreshments for all to enjoy, including our race tent for all our participants to enjoy some healthy snacks before and after the race," McNutt added, noting all snacks will be provided free of charge.

Following the awards ceremony at 10:15 a.m., the Diaper Derby will begin at 10:30 a.m. The race is open to toddlers, who will be asked to crawl - not walk - along a cushioned race course.

"The rule that applies is that it's just for crawlers," McNutt said. "They will crawl along 10 yards of foam squares." Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place finishers of the race during a ceremony at 11 a.m. All toddlers will receive a CCCC onesie and headband to wear during the race.

There will be separate registration fees for the 5K, the fun run/walk and the Diaper Derby. All participants in the 5K and fun run/walk will be given a T-shirt.

Church groups and others are being invited to take part in a FUN-Raiser by registering for the 5K as a team. "Our top team fundraiser will be announced as well as individual top fundraiser. There is still time to join the FUN-Raiser," McNutt pointed out. "We close that on Nov. 16, so they have an additional week to raise funds and win prizes."

McNutt noted that more than 300 people took part in last year's event, which is being held at Hibernia for the third time. "People are walking for the mission and the cause," said McNutt, noting, "Myriam (Ruager, CCCC executive director), will push an empty stroller with balloons to honor the number of babies that have been lost."

Ruager will also talk about CCCC's mission and where the funds are going. Proceeds from the event will 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. Families are supported physically, emotionally and financially through basic pregnancy care, parenting education, peer counseling, a homeless prevention program and community referrals.

McNutt announced that the agency has recently purchased a home to further assist women in need. "We now offer a residential housing program," she said. "We have a brand-new house, and we just finished furnishing it. It's a private address in Coatesville, and it can house five women that are in need whether they are pregnant, have babies or multiples. We have enough space for five moms, but they must be clients of our program. We have this option so they can learn the life skills needed so they have a future out there. We want these moms to know there is potential for them."

McNutt added that non-runners and walkers may also attend the event on Nov. 9 with their families. Also featured during the day will be a petting zoo, face painting and balloon animals. "It's not just the run; we are adding things," said McNutt. "We want people to come out, hear about the mission and learn why we do this every year and come out and enjoy a couple hours with the family and the kids."

She added that attendees are asked to bring donations of diapers sizes 4, 5 and 6.

Hibernia County Park is located at 1 Park Road, Coatesville. For more information about the event and to register, visit https://ccconnectcareinfo.org/walk-for-life. Same-day registrations will also be accepted.

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