Downtown Turlock is a place for shopping and dining, but it’s also a place for running – at least for the participants of the sixth annual Turlock Chaplaincy Fun Run.

For the past several years individuals of all ages and abilities have gathered at Denair Park in the spring to run and walk together as a community. The “fun run” is not only a time to convene with friends to get some healthy exercise, but the proceeds from the race benefit the Turlock Chaplaincy.

“This is a fantastic fundraising event for the Turlock Chaplaincy because it really calls people from all walks of life together and in support of a worthy cause. The race includes mothers pushing their children in strollers to adults in their eighties running and walking – it’s very community inclusive and we love it,” said Race Director Kathy Smith.

The Chaplaincy is a non-profit organization that offers support to first responders and their families by providing spiritual and emotional counseling to all persons in the Turlock community following critical incidents. Established in 2000, the organization trains and provides chaplains to the Turlock Police and Fire Departments as well as the Turlock Unified School District.

The 5k and 10k Fun Run will take place at 9 a.m. April 11. The race will begin at Denair Park, near the intersection of Main Street and Canal Drive, and include a flat 5k loop through nearby residential neighborhoods which 10k runners will run twice. All fitness levels are encouraged to participate and all finishers will receive a medal.

Interested participants can preregister by accessing www.active.com and searching “Turlock” on the homepage which directs users to the registration. Preregistration costs $25 and race-day registration is $30.