Runners and walkers in the Pacific Northwest can participate in races to support the military, walks in memory of loved ones and runs to promote fitness, but few walks and runs support the environment.

This is what prompted Western senior and exercise-science major Tahoma Khalsa to plan and prepare the 1st Annual Earth Day 5K and Alumni Run, which will take place April 20 on Western’s campus.

“The World Heath Organization and United Nations have a slogan of ‘think locally, act globally.’" Khalsa said. “That is exactly what this event will help students and community do by promoting tree planting here in our own backyards and providing support to organizations that help restore and conserve large amounts of natural habitat in places where it is needed."

All proceeds from the race will go toward the Western track and field team and MAP, a non-profit organization based in Port Angeles, Wash., that works to conserve and restore mangrove forests and coastal ecosystems.

The event will start at 10 a.m. at the Performing Arts Center Plaza, and the course will wind through Western’s campus. Registration fees are $10 for students and $20 for non-students before April 7. The fees rise after this date.

“[In addition to students,] we hope community members, children and even dogs come out to this exciting event,” said Susan Baske, director of alumni programs.

The Alumni Association, in addition to the Western Bookstore, the Western Road Racers, a running club on campus, Western’s Environmental Center, Fairhaven Runners and the Mangrove Action Project (MAP) are helping to sponsor the event.

The Western Bookstore is helping with registration, said Tana Richins, Western Bookstore assistant manager. Participants can also sign up on the Western Bookstore Web site or at Fairhaven Runners, an athletic store located in downtown Fairhaven.

All registered racers will receive an organic cotton T-shirt designed by Khalsa, a tree for planting and plenty of food and prizes.

Registrants will also have the opportunity to hear an environmental presentation from Alfredo Quarto, the executive director and co-founder of MAP. Khalsa is also working to get a student or faculty member from Western’s Huxley’s College of the Environment to give a presentation.

“I’m looking forward to the friendly competition and helping to improve the environment doing something I love: running,” said Western freshman Kevin Ng, who plans to participate in the run.

Khalsa hopes approximately 500 people come out and participate in the event.

He said Western’s Alumni Association has sent out more than 1,600 flyers to alumni and more than 70 people have confirmed they will attend on the Facebook group he created.

To help encourage participation, Khalsa is working to get a disc jockey to play music before and after the race.

He is also working with many food sponsors, including Robeks, which agreed to donate smoothies, and the Great Harvest Bread Company. Western's dining service has donated $500 as well.

Awards will be given to the top male and female finishers.

Prizes include outdoor jackets donated by REI, gift baskets donated from Fairhaven Runners, prizes from the Western Bookstore and potted Japanese maple trees.

The Alumni Association will also offer prizes, including a prize wheel, Viking bobble heads and water bottles, Baske said.

“I really see this becoming a yearly event and feel that it has the potential to grow each year,” Khalsa said. “[This] will really help out the environment in a few ways, such as a tree giveway, guest speakers and proceeds going to benefit nonprofits that help restore habitat not just locally but globally.”

Khalsa said he hopes future exercise-science majors will continue to host the run in the future.

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