KANNAPOLIS — Run Kannapolis, which the city calls one of its premier health initiatives, kicks off this weekend.

The Run Kannapolis series is part of the city’s Discover a Healthy Life brand. This year there will be eight 5K walks/runs in the city. City leaders are asking people of all ages and all abilities to participate in these events.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to participate in the entire series of races but series awards will be provided to only those who finish at least five events. For those who participate and finish all seven events, there will be special recognition after the last event in January 2017.

The eight participating 5K events are:

1. March 19 – Spring It On 5K (Kannapolis City Schools)

2. April 9 – Feeding Frenzy 5K (Main Street Mission/Compassion International)

3. April 23 – Strides for Stroke 5K (Carolinas HealthCare System NorthEast)

4. May 3 – Tuesday – Jiggy with the Piggy 5K (Kannapolis Parks & Recreation)

5. May 14 – Rhythm & Run 5K (NC Music Hall of Fame)

6. Sept. 24 – Duke Dash 5K & Healthfest (Duke University’s MURDOCK Study)

7. Nov. 12 – Nutrithon 5K (Kannapolis Rotary Club)

8. Dec. 17 – Frostbite 5K (Cannon Memorial YMCA – Kannapolis Branch)

Register for races throughout the year at runkannapolis.com

When you register for one of these events you will automatically be entered into Run Kannapolis. There is no fee for Run Kannapolis. Your entry into the individual races listed above will be used to track your participation. You simply pay the entry fee for each individual event that you want to compete in.