Run, Gloucester Township!

The 16th annual Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee 5K will be held this Saturday.

While it may be a little too late to start a training regimen, there is still time to register for the 5-kilometer race and the accompanying 1-mile fun run/walk.

About 100 people are signed up for the race so far, Council Vice President Orlando Mercado, race organizer and a member of the Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee, said Monday night.

Mercado, who has run in 10 Gloucester Township 5K races, noted the course is a good one for novice runners.

"Here's an opportunity for someone to run their first 5K because it's a flat, fast course," he said.

The 5K course begins on Chews Landing Road, then heads down Craig Drive, Hider Lane, Victor Avenue and Ellis Avenue before runners reach the finish line in the municipal complex parking lot.

With a little cooperation from Mother Nature—as of Monday at about 10 p.m., the National Weather Service was calling for a high of 71 on Saturday and for any weekend rain to hold off until Saturday evening—Mercado expects 30 to 40 walk-up registrations.

Councilwoman Tracey Trotto has already signed up for the 5K.

"I'm kind of looking forward to running in the 5K race," she said at the close of Monday's Council meeting. "I hope a lot of people will join us."

Proceeds from the 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk benefit the Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee, which awarded 40 $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors from the township during Monday's Council meeting.

(Check back with Gloucester Township Patch for photos and a story from Monday night's event later today. Click here for a list of the 40 $1,000 winners and 10 alternates.)

Last year's race drew 105 participants.

Register for the race at www.lin-mark.com or by bringing the attached PDF registration form to the municipal complex at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

The 1-mile run/walk is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

Those participating in the 5K will be given the opportunity to stretch out with Slim Chicks Fitness owner Stevie Matteo at 9:15 a.m. before hitting the road course at 9:30 a.m.

It will cost $25 for 5K participants and $10 for those wishing to complete the 1-mile run/walk. All participants will receive a "Run GT" T-shirt.