The 43 rd  Strawberry Strut in Carthage is just a few days away scheduled on June 4.

The Strawberry Strut includes the classic five-mile run along the Carthage Lake. Other events in this year’s Strut are a 5K run, a 5K walk and a one mile fun run/walk.

Participants can still register on-line in advance  to be part of the event. To sign up, go to runsignup.com/Race/IL/Carthage/StrawberryStrut.

Those who have pre-registered can pick up race packets on Friday,  June 3, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage, or after 7 a.m. the morning of the race. All race packets must be picked up by 7:45 a.m. Race day registration  is available at 7 a.m. and will end at 7:45 a.m.  

The fee for the five-mile run, the 5K run and 5K walk is $25 in advance, increasing to $30 on race day. The fee for the one-mile run/walk is $10, or $15 on race day.

The two 5K events in the Strut are new this  year.

“We believe the addition of 5K events will allow more people to participate,” said Steve Evans, chairman of the Strawberry Strut steering committee. 

“Everyone wanted to keep the traditional five-mile run. However our committee felt the 5K distance would be more comfortable for some runners and walkers, and would encourage more people to take part.”

Race day start times are staggered. Awards will be presented at around 10 a.m. Participants will start on the following schedule:

•  5-mile run  – 8:15 a.m.

•  5K walk – 8:30 a.m.

•  5K run – 8:40 a.m.

•  1-mile fun run/ walk – 8:45 a.m.

There are four water stops along the course, with water supplied by Memorial Hospital Foundation, WCAZ, Will Sullivan, and State Farm Insurance, Kris Dornbush, who will also provide cuties and energy bars.

Strawberry Strut sponsors include Fortress Bank, Hy-Vee, Memorial Hospital, Brenda Young Real Estate, Quincy Medical Group, Western Illinois Insurance, Will Sullivan Auction, Marine Bank, MTC Communications, Steve Evans and Ramsey Financial.

Proceeds from the race this year have been pledged to benefit Hancock County Fights Cancer, whose summer event will be held on the Hancock County Courthouse lawn immediately after the Strut on June 4.  Other events are planned on the square for that day, coordinated by the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce.

Watch Strawberry Strut on Facebook for updates.