Chester County Connect Care (CCCC), a nonprofit medical care pregnancy center, will present its annual 5K Run/Walk for Life, on Saturday, Nov. 8, rain or shine, at Hibernia County Park in Coatesville. In addition to the 5K, this year's event will include a fun run/walk, a Pup Station for dogs, a Diaper Derby for toddlers and a petting zoo.

Race-day registration will open at 8 a.m., followed by a welcome at 8:30 a.m. The Diaper Derby will be held at 8:45 a.m., during which toddlers, will crawl along a cushioned race course. "They have to be crawling, not walking," explained Kirstyn Veneziale, CCCC marketing and event coordinator, noting that all toddlers will receive a CCCC onesie and headband to wear during the race. Prizes will be awarded. She noted that the race will only occur if there are at least five registrants.

The 5K, which will be professionally timed, will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the fun run/walk. "It's the same course as last year," Veneziale noted. "It is all gravel or paved. It's never on grass."

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. Medals and prizes will be awarded at 10:30 a.m.

Youngsters in strollers along with dogs on leashes are welcome to be a part of the fun run/walk, which will not be timed and will cover less than 1 mile. "We will also have a Pup Station, and everyone who registers their dog will get a bandana for their pet and treats," said Veneziale, adding, "We will have a Cheer Zone with things to cheer on the runners along the course like cowbells and clappers."

Breakfast items and race snacks will be provided free of charge. "Before the race, we will have doughnuts, bagels, bananas, yogurt and oranges," Veneziale noted. "After, there will be chips and soft pretzels." Coffee and hot chocolate will also be offered.

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 "I Run for Life" T-shirt.

Veneziale noted that about 300 people took part in last year's event, which is being held at Hibernia for the fourth time. A representative from CCCC will push an empty stroller with balloons to honor babies who have been lost.

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.

Veneziale added that non-runners and walkers may also attend the event on Nov. 8 with their families. "It's a family-friendly event," she said. "We have the Cheer Zone, the snacks and the petting zoo - so bring the kids, too."

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. Those who register prior to Saturday, Oct. 25, will receive a discount. Same-day registrations will also be accepted.

More information about CCCC is available by visiting www.ccconnectcare.org or www.facebook.com/ccconnectcare. Those with questions may call 610-383-0930.