If you’re not ready to run a marathon or half marathon; don’t worry. We have the perfect event for you and your family. The BE5K serves as the official kick-off to an exciting Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend and offers everyone with all different fitness abilities to be a part of this exciting weekend. Come walk/run our 5k (3.1 mile) course through downtown Birmingham while helping a great cause and being a part of the marathon experience. See our 5K training plan to learn how you can walk/ run this race even if you are currently a couch potato. And if you’re running our races on Sunday please join us for the BE5K to loosen up your legs for your long distant race.

WHAT IS KID ONE, YOU ASK?

Kid One Transport is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides free transportation to medical, dental and mental health care services for children and expectant mothers in need throughout central and north central Alabama. Since 1997, Kid One has touched the lives of nearly 16,000 children and expectant mothers in need of transportation to preventive and critical health care services of all types. Tens of thousands more are in need of our service, but we can reach them with your support through events like the BE5K.

AND WHAT IS BE&K?

BE&K is a leading engineering and construction firm based in Birmingham, Alabama that has been the title sponsor for the 5K since its inception. Through its generous investment, BE&K has ensured that every penny generated via this event will go directly to Kid One so that children and expectant mothers in need live healthier, happier lives.

OKAY, I’M INTERESTED. WHAT NEXT?

You can register online at www.active.com or you can visit www.kidone.org and download a copy of the official registration form. Better yet, form a race team by becoming a Kid One Krew team captain! Simply recruit at least three people to join you in the race, settle on a team name, and complete the Mercedes-Benz Marathon Intent Form, which can be downloaded at www.kidone.org. List your name as team captain and you’re ready to begin recruiting additional teammates and raising essential funds for Kid One! Fundraising deadline is March 16, 2009.

I DON’T WANT TO FORM A TEAM. CAN I STILL FUNDRAISE FOR THE 5K?

Absolutely! Fundraising is critical to the success of the BE5K and individuals and teams alike can raise money in support of this event. When you fundraise for Kid One, you’re helping children and expectant mothers reach the care they so desperately need; care which many of us take for granted. Over the years, funds generated through the BE5K have helped provide hope and healing to so many children and families throughout Alabama. Children like Tyshawn, who suffers from cerebral palsy and endured multiple skin grafts due to a severe burn injury, would never have been able to reach life-saving and lifeenhancing care without Kid One. Children like Alejandro, who suffered from a severe kidney ailment and required multiple trips to Children’s Hospital for treatments leading up to his kidney transplant, would never have been able to overcome some of life’s most daunting obstacles without access to proper medical care. Where would children like Kador, who suffers from a rare and debilitating form of cancer, be without Kid One? Where would young women facing difficult and potentially dangerous pregnancies be without Kid One? Please know that your support makes a difference in their lives. Encourage your family, friends and co-workers to join you in raising funds for the BE5K. You’ll be glad you did.

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE BRAVE IN BLUE CHALLENGE?

This rapidly-growing challenge is taken up by some of Alabama’s finest—our firefighters, police officers and EMS. The Brave In Blue compete for the best time individually or as a relay. Winners in each category win a trophy to proudly display. As you see them on the courses, tip your hat to our Brave In Blue in thanks for all that they do! If you are one of Alabama’s finest, please go to our Web site for more information, www.kidone.org. Also on our Web site, you can learn about how to honor a military hero through your participation in this race.

Click here to download your registration form.

Here are some more details about the event.

PREMIUM PARTICIPANT AMENITIES AND PACKET PICKUP

All registered race participants will receive the BE5K official race packet including the official BE5K longsleeve technical running shirt. Race packets, along with race numbers and timing devices, can be picked up during the St. Vincent’s Health Systems Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, February 13 from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. The expo will be held in Boutwell Auditorium. You may also pick up your packets and register for the event on race morning from 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. at the Boutwell entrance. To avoid any delays or problems, we highly encourage you to register early and pick up your packets during the expo. ID is required to pick up your race packets and timing devices.

BE5K POST-RACE PARTY

Boutwell Auditorium is the place to be after the race! This fifth annual celebration features a live band, food and refreshments plus special entertainment to keep the entire family busy. Also featured will be cold beer from Michelob Ultra and lots of Coke, Diet Coke, Dasani Water and PowerAde provided by Birmingham Coca- Cola. Health and fitness expo booths will be open for you to browse as well. The BE5K awards ceremony will begin at approximately 9 a.m. See you there!

DANNY’S FAMOUS COUCH TO BE5K

You’re not sure you can run or even walk a 5K (3.1 miles) yet? You’re not alone, but you’ll be shocked at how easily you can achieve it. Formal BE5K training for local runners will be offered beginning in January 2009 and it’s only $25, payable on your first day of training. Danny Haralson of the Birmingham Track Club will personally lead you in his tried and true Couch-To-BE5K Training Program. Visit www.RunUniversity.com to find a detailed plan to take you from your couch to a 5K in less than eight weeks!

RUN/WALK POLICY

The BE5K is open to runners and walkers of all abilities. There is no age limit. Minors must have a legal parent or legal guardian sign the entry form to be eligible. Due to insurance regulations, iPods or any type of headphones being worn, unregistered runners, unauthorized vehicles, baby joggers, inline skates, bicycles, skateboards and other non-official wheeled vehicles are prohibited on the courses. Pets and smoking, including cigars, are also prohibited. Any participant breaking one of these rules will be removed from the course, disqualified and will not receive the finishers’ amenities.

TIMING

Winners of the BE5K race will be determined by official race timing devices that you will be given with your race packet. Devices should be attached to your shoe before you begin the race and are to be returned in the finish line chutes. Don’t lose this device or take it home with you as a souvenir because there is a replacement fee for failing to return it. Be aware that timing devices are not guaranteed to be available for race day registration, but are not required to participate. If you don’t want to use the device during the race, immediately return it to the race officials when you pick up your packet. Don’t ask for it back Saturday morning though because it will be deactivated. Go green and register online through www.active.com! It’s the best way to sign up and your registration is immediate.

BE&5K REGISTRATION

Go Green and register online through www.active.com. It’s the best way to sign up and your registration is immediate. If you still prefer a hard copy entry form, download one here. Please be aware of the mailing deadlines. If you miss the deadlines you can register at the Expo on February 13 or on race morning from 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. at the Boutwell Auditorium entrance.

Hard Copy registrations …………………………………….………………$25
Mail in entries MUST be postmarked by January 31, 2009 and received in our office by February 4, 2009.
On-line registration through midnight on February 7, 2009……………….$25
Expo or on race day Registration……………………………………………$35