ALPENA — The 17th Annual Zonta Walks for Women Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and 5K Run will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7.

The event, organized by the Zonta Club of Alpena, is held on the first Saturday in October each year. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This inspiring event unites the entire community to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about the importance of early detection, and raises funds for local community organizations like Friends Together breast cancer programs and other local initiatives.

The event will be held outside the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena.

On-site registration will be held from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Welcome and remarks will begin at 9:15 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk will start at 9:30 a.m. After the walk, at 10:30 a.m., there will be awards, food, and refreshments.

The cost is $25 per person, which includes a T-shirt, while supplies last. Pre-register in person at Thunder Bay Accounting, 1400 U.S.-23 South, Alpena. Walkers/runners are encouraged to pre-register to be guaranteed a T-shirt.

Everyone is welcome to participate. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

There is no charge for children 14 and younger, but they will not receive a T-shirt.

Families, businesses, churches and service clubs are encouraged to build teams. Just enter your team’s name when registering.

All entry fees and donations raised by participants directly benefit local organizations that provide breast health services.

Prizes will be awarded to the top individual raising the most donations, and to the top team raising the most donations. To donate, simply provide your donation during registration or mail your donation to Zonta Club of Alpena, P.O. Box 185, Alpena MI 49707 (please include your name or team name on the check). To qualify for prize incentives, donations must be received on or before the day of the walk.