It’s that time of year, Penn State: THON will host the 16th annual THON 5k this Sunday, Oct. 16.

The Kids Race will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the Competitive Run will begin at 11:30 a.m. Many people consider THON 5k the start of THON season, and it serves as a chance for newly-selected committee members, Four Diamonds families, and other volunteers to get together.

Participants can register and view parking information here; registering for the Fun Run costs $15 and registering for the Competitive Run costs $18. This year, registrants can participate in either the local run, which begins at the Bryce Jordan Center, or the Virtual THON 5k.

The local THON 5k will include live entertainment, activities for the Four Diamonds families, lunch for all participants, and a THON merchandise sale. Those who can’t make it to State College on Sunday can participate in the Virtual THON 5k. Due to the success of the virtual 5k last year, THON has added a new initiative, the Steps Taken Towards a Cure pledge. With this new addition, participants can nominate friends and family to take the pledge and donate one cent for every step they run during the THON 5k. Proceeds raised through the pledge can be credited to a specific organization’s THON 2017 fundraising total.

If the bye week has you down, spend your weekend #FTK at the THON 5k.