It’s time for runners to lace up their tennis shoes for a good cause this Saturday as the “Fight Like a Girl” 5k Run begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by a 1 mile fun run.

The event is being sponsored by the Troy Rotary Club as a part of the 2011 Pike County Relay for Life campaign.

So far, 140 runners have registered for the event. “We still expect a lot of people to register and reach our set goal of 200,” said Rotarian Jason Jones. Several people will register the morning of the event, he said.

“At this moment the Rotary Club has raised $3,500 and that number is only expected to go up as people continue to register for the event,” Jones said.

He expressed thanks to the support of several local businesses and individuals who have oined the effort, allowing all the proceeds from entry fees to be donated directly towards the Relay.

Those participants are the City of Troy, Ideal Graphics, Jones Medical Supply, Gibson and Carden, Troy Bank & Trust, Auto Sports Body Works, Cox Container, Glow, Family Ties, Troy Regional Medical Center, Mamma Goldberg’s, King Cox Ford, Dr. Benjamin, Major Jimmy Lunsford, Troy Housing Service and Morning Calm Therapeutic Massage and Spa. These businesses and individuals gave at least $150 to the cause.

Each runner has a chance to win one of the several door prizes present Saturday. These prizes range from hotel stays, restaurant dining, and gift cards to local merchandise explained Jones. The Piggly Wiggly off 231, Hooks Barbecue, Seraphim, Tarra Cotta, Half Shell, Pink Parlor, Santa Fe Cattle Company, Courtyard Marriott, and Dr. Candice Howard Shaugnhessy, donated all the door prizes.

Although online registration has been closed, it is still possible to register before Saturday by contacting Jones at 334-566-1002 or by email jasonj@jonesmed.com. Registration fees are now $30 for the 5k and $20 for the 1 mile fun run.