Southern Illinois University Medicine students will sponsor the 6th Annual Junaia P. Carter, MD 5k Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 8, at Washington Park in Springfield. Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. The event is dedicated to Dr. Junaia P. Carter. Carter was a member of the Class of 2010, who died in November 2010 after a battle with breast cancer. The SIU student chapter of the American Medical Association sponsors the race.

All race proceeds benefit M.E.R.C.Y. Communities in Springfield, which provides homeless and at-risk families with transitional living and comprehensive support services. The previous SIU races have resulted in more than $67,450 donated to local charities.

Advance registration is requested. Participants can register online at http://getmeregistered.com/jpc5k or on the day of the event from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. at the Washington Park Pavilion, west of the tennis courts off of S. Grand Ave.

Online registration is $20 before April 6 or $25 the day of the event. Checks should be made payable to SIU School of Medicine and sent to the Office of Student Affairs, SIU School of Medicine, P.O. Box 19624, Springfield, IL 62794-9624.

The top three male and female overall finishers and the top three males and females in each age group will receive awards. For more information including a course map, visit http://www.siumed.edu/students/2017_5K_Race.html.