By Kyle Peveto, Staff Writer

The newly formed Abilene Running Club will sponsor its first race Saturday beginning at 8 a.m. at Nelson Park.

The Startline 5k will include a five kilometer race and a one mile fun run.

The ARC’s goal is to encourage jogging, running and fitness in Abilene and surrounding areas.

Saturday’s race, which starts by the Abilene Zoo, will benefit the Red Cross.

The race costs $20 and the price includes a T-shirt. Race organizers expect about 50 participants to enter the race.

Participants will be grouped by ages, including the 19 and under category.

Age groups will range from 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 50, 50 to 60 and a division for those over 60. Prizes will be given for both male and female winners of each category and for overall winners.

The ARC, which was formed in July, wants to help members find other joggers, runners and walkers of the same ability level to compete and train with.

“I felt like there was a need in Abilene for an organized running club,” said ARC president Dan Fergus, an area attorney.

The need was filled for an area running club after the Roadrunners club folded three years ago with a large membership base was still in tact.

The ARC currently has more than 70 members. The club plans to have regular organized meetings for all members, and a Web site promoting the club is being prepared.

Some members of the ARC are involved in Team in Training, which raises money for leukemia and lymphoma organizations by running in marathons.

Membership in the ARC is $25 a person or $35 for a family.

Membership includes an ARC T-Shirt, newsletter, free admission to club workshops and fun runs and a $5 discount on race registration fees.

“It really is a good deal,” said Dr. Jerry Whitworth, vice-president of the ARC and associate professor and chair of education.

To join, those interested should send an e-mai to abilenerunnersclub@hotmail.com or attend the race Saturday.