The Kane County Cougars are asking fans to save the date for the fifth annual Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K, set for at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Registration is now open for the event at kccougars.com as well as racetime.info and signmeup.com. New in 2016, Ozzie’s “Inside the Park Dash” is a roughly half-mile fun run for children through age 12 that will be held inside the ballpark.

A portion of race proceeds from both events will benefit Ozzie’s Outreach, the Cougars’ charitable foundation that gives back to a variety of local causes each year, including the Cougars’ own “Ozzie’s Scholars” reading scholarship program.

As one of the most unique 5K events in the Chicago area that is open to both competitive runners and recreational walkers, Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk 5K will finish on the field at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. All 5K and fun run participants will be seen on the ballpark’s videoboard through a live-feed camera and can receive a high-five from Ozzie T. Cougar on the final stretch of the race inside the ballpark. Families with children are encouraged to participate as strollers are permitted and there is a special discounted rate for participants between 5 and 18 years old.

Participants who register by May 13 are guaranteed a commemorative race shirt featuring the new Cougars race logo. All 5K participants will also receive a complimentary ticket voucher that is valid for any 2016 Cougars game.

Other surprises on race day include door prizes and raffles for ceremonial first pitches, unique ballpark experiences and more. The top three male and female finishers in 14 age division categories will win a customized race medal with the Ozzie’s Home Run and Walk logo, courtesy of Image Awards, Engraving & Creative Keepsakes, Inc. of Geneva.

Following the race, participants can enjoy a variety of refreshments including a complimentary hot dog or brat and beer for participants 21 and older. The 5K, which features chip timing is an out-and-back course featuring several types of terrain such as grass, gravel and paved surfaces both inside the ballpark and on the ballpark grounds.

Individuals who register through Feb. 29 can take advantage of early bird pricing for the 5K with a special $28 registration cost ($15 for 5-18 year olds). Pricing is $33/$20 for 5-18 year olds from March 1-May 18 and $38/$25 for 5-18 year olds from May 19 through race day. There is a $5 race fee for Ozzie’s Inside the Park Dash.

Additional information, including a downloadable race flyer, is available at kccougars.com.

SOURCE: Kane County Cougars news release

About the Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars, Class-A Major League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have been at the forefront of family-friendly entertainment since 1991. In 2013, the franchise became the first Class-A team in Minor League Baseball history to welcome 10 million fans. More than 130 former Cougars have reached the Major Leagues including Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez and Kyle Schwarber. Opening Night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark will take place on Thursday evening, April 7, 2016 against Clinton. Fans can visit kccougars.com to learn more or follow the Cougars on Twitter (@KCCougars), Facebook (facebook.com/kanecountycougars) or Instagram (kccougars).