Step Up For Down Syndrome set for Oct. 22

The largest Down syndrome awareness event in the Central Valley is set for Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds.

Step Up For Down Syndrome draws hundreds of people to Clovis each year to run and walk for families touched by Down syndrome. The event is hosted by Down Syndrome Association of Central California; it’s the largest fundraising event of the year to support the programs and services the local nonprofit provides for local families.

More than 1,000 paid participants ran and walked in the event last year, raising $65,000 to help serve families in all six Central Valley counties. The nonprofit offers parent support groups and various social events throughout the year.

Registration is open for the 5K run/walk, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. The race is slightly longer than a traditional 5K, or 3.1 miles; participants are asked to run or walk 3.21 miles in celebration of Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21.

A 1-mile fun walk is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Teams dress up in a theme and compete for prizes for Largest Team, Biggest Fundraiser and Best Team Spirit.

The event also features a food booth with lunch for purchase, vendor booths, a kid zone and lots of entertainment.

Registration and donations are being accepted at www.dsacc.org or www.firstgiving.com/DSACC/Step_Up_2016.

This story was originally published October 10, 2016 at 1:08 PM with the headline "Step Up For Down Syndrome set for Oct. 22."