Submitted Photo Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the Audubon Community Nature Center 2021 Wild 5k. July 19 is the registration deadline to receive a free t-shirt for the Saturday, July 31, event.

JAMESTOWN — With a limitation of 200 entrants, the Audubon Community Nature Center Wild 5k Run/Walk is on track to return to a live event this year.

Those who register by Monday, July 19, will be awarded a free t-shirt at the Saturday, July 31, race.

After the 8-8:45 a.m. registration, plan for a socially-distanced, possibly chipped start. The 5k trail will take runners through fields and forests and will include whatever COVID precautions are needed at the time.

The race takes place rain or shine and covers uneven ground and bridges. Most of the race is on bare ground, with one small section along pavement. The trail will be well marked with white signs showing the way.

Prizes awarded to the first three overall male and female walker and runner finishers. Age group awards given to the top three finishers in each division for runners and top finisher in each division for walkers.

The awards ceremony begins at 11 a.m. outdoors in the Stephanie Frucella Education Pavilion in Audubon’s backyard.

The entry fee is $30; $27 for Nature Center members. For details and to register, click on the link at AudubonCNC.org. Wild 5k volunteers are still needed for set up, runner check-in, snack station, route monitoring, and clean-up. If you are interested in helping out, you can contact Audubon at (716) 569-2345.

Business sponsors include Lakewood Apothecary, I-86 Truck and Auto Repair, and Jamestown Macadam. Business sponsors help offset the staff and material costs associated with coordinating the race.

Community partners include Curt and Susie Westrom, Bob and Kathy Frucella, Carnahan-Jackson Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Holmberg Foundation, Hultquist Foundation, Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, The Lenna Foundation, The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, Bush Industries, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Hal and Mary Conarro, Jan Simons Boyle, Metallic Ladder Mfg. Corp., Univera Healthcare, and Whirley-Drinkworks!

For information on how to become a business sponsor for one of Audubon’s community events, call 569-2345 and speak with Leigh Rovegno, Audubon’s executive director.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit six miles of trails on the 600-acre nature preserve from dawn to dusk daily. The Nature Center building includes the Blue Heron Gift Shop, live animals, and the winning photographs from the 2020 Nature Photography Contest. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is by donation. Face coverings are not required outdoors, but unvaccinated individuals are asked to wear face coverings when inside the Nature Center building. To learn more about Audubon and its programs, call 569-2345, visit AudubonCNC.org, or find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook.