Lincoln - Coach Callahan Charities, Inc. invites everyone to participate in the fourth annual Coach Callahan Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, Aug. 18, beginning at 8 a.m. This fun, unique 5K Run/Walk and One-Mile Run/Walk begins and ends at Memorial Stadium.

The route journeys through UNL campus, the North Bottoms neighborhood, and Haymarket Park as participants race for Juvenile Diabetes research and for the UNL Libraries. Following the race, participants can relax with refreshments and continue the fun as they head into Memorial Stadium for Fan Day to meet their favorite Husker players and coaches.

The day begins at 8 a.m. with a one-mile fun run/walk geared toward kids 12 and under but open to all ages. The 5K run/walk begins at 8:20 a.m. and will be an un-timed event designed for participants to set a comfortable pace for themselves.

To register, participants should visit CoachCallahanCharities.org and utilize the secure electronic registration and credit card payment option. Interested participants may also send in written entry forms with a check to Coach Callahan Charities, Inc., P.O. Box 81467, Lincoln, Neb, 68510-81467. Brochures can be picked up at the Lincoln Running Company, 1213 Q Street and at Lincoln area shops, fitness centers and restaurants. Those who are unable to attend the event may make a donation to the juvenile diabetes research or the UNL Libraries through Coach Callahan Charities, Inc., on-line or on the entry form.

Registration for the one-mile fun run is $15 and $25 for the 5K run/walk. Early registrations must be received by Aug. 12. A late fee is assessed for those registering the day of the event. The registration fee includes a FREE T-Shirt and refreshments at the finish line. Participants will also receive special entry into Fan Day through a reserved gate. The 2006 Fun Run/Walk is made possible through the generous support of the Lincoln Track Club and the Lincoln Running Company. Proceeds from the run/walk go toward the donation to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the University of Nebraska Libraries Electronic Resources Fund.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with juvenile diabetes and has a mission to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes, and the health complications that come with it, by funding the most relevant research possible to achieve a cure. Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in early childhood and causes a lifetime of complications, a dependency on insulin, and the threat of major health problems including stroke, heart disease, blindness and kidney failure. JDRF research funding totaled $81 million in 2003, split between Achieving Normal Blood Sugar ($46 million, 57 percent), Preventing and Reversing Complications ($22 million, 27 percent) and Prevention of Diabetes and its Recurrence ($13 million, 16 percent).

The University of Nebraska Libraries Electronic Resources Fund also will benefit from the event proceeds. The University Library seeks to broaden access to its electronic books, databases and journals to fit the needs of staff and students on campus. As Nebraska’s only comprehensive research library, UNL Libraries provides its faculty, staff, students and citizens of Nebraska with access to materials that meet their needs. By adding to these services, the Libraries will be able to expand services to users so that they may access materials in the Libraries, in their office, on campus or at home.

Coach Callahan Charities, Inc. is a non-profit organization that Coach Callahan, Nebraska head football coach, established to provide financial support to nonprofit organizations organized to fight breast cancer and diabetes, and to provide services, support and hope to economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth and families. For more information, please call 402-770-9273 or e-mail questions to ccc@huskers.com.