Rain or shine, with awards in eight age groups for both runners and walkers, many participants will be winners at Audubon Community Nature Center’s Wild 5K Run/Walk on Saturday. Submitted photo

The Audubon Community Nature Center will hold its Wild 5K Run/Walk on Saturday.

The race-day schedule is:

¯ 8 to 8:45 a.m.: same-day registration;

¯ 9 a.m.: race begins; and

¯ 10:30 a.m.: award ceremony begins for those who have completed the race.

Prizes will be awarded to the first three overall male and female walker and runner finishers. Age group awards will be given to the top three finishers in each for runners and top finisher in each for walkers. Age groups are 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and over 70.

Timing will be recorded through Chautauqua Striders’ chip system. The Wild 5K is part of the 2018 Chautauqua Striders/UPMC Chautauqua WCA Runner of the Year Series for which participating runners receive points.

Registration is $30. A 10 percent discount is extended to members of ACNC and Chautauqua Striders Athletic Club.

For details and to register online or download a printable application form, visit auduboncnc.org/wild5k.

Sponsors of the 2018 Wild 5K Run/Walk are JCC Total Fitness, LandPro Equipment, Sideline Sports, Southern Auto Exchange and Sparkling Ice.

Proceeds from the race will be used to help protect Audubon’s more than 600 acres of unique habitat that decreases flooding in surrounding communities, purifies drinking water and provides sanctuary to plants and animals of all shapes and sizes. After the race, those attending can visit with Liberty, the Bald Eagle and tour the exhibits throughout the Nature Center.

After the Wild 5K, Audubon Community Nature Center officials will be participating in the Roger Tory Peterson Institute’s Wild America Nature Festival at Panama Rocks, held July 28 and 29. The event will include wild animals, a Local Food Cook-Off, Nature Fine Art and Craft Show, live music and classes and activities for all ages. Headlining the event are Roger Tory Peterson’s son, Lee Peterson, nationally best-selling author Jennifer Ackerman, and animal expert Jeff Musial and his animals.

The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. For more information, call 569-2345 or visit auduboncnc.org.