The University of Northern Iowa Public Relations Student Society of America will host their 21st annual Do Run Run 5K race April 24.

The student-run race begins at Gateway Park on East Main and Lincoln Street at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit UNI PRSSA and the Children’s Miracle Network.

According to Katy Clough, Do Run Run director and senior communications and public relations major, the project is a great way for students to do hands-on public relations work outside of the classroom.

“We have a fall and a spring fundraiser, and it’s a way to get community members and everybody hands-on experience and portfolio work, and basically we’ve been doing it for 21 years, so it’s just kind of a tradition,” she said.

One-half of the race’s proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

“A couple of our committee members actually went and took a tour of the hospital in Iowa City that benefits from the Children’s Miracle Network, and after that we just decided that it’s definitely where we want our funds to go,” Clough said. “It’s a great program and I really suggest anybody to look more into it.”

Snacks and refreshments will be provided before the race begins, and medals and door prizes donated by local businesses will be awarded after the race.

Students can register online by visiting http://sites.google.com/site/unidrr2010/. Registration is $20 before April 10 and $25 after, and students can still register during the day of the event.