CASA of Central Texas is again teaming up with local race director Moe Johnson, the San Marcos Runners Club and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas to host the Speak Up For Kids CASA 5k and 1k Fun Runs and the ARA-Moe's Better Half Marathon fundraising race events on March 7.

This event brings together a 20+ year half-marathon tradition, the annual 5k race and a 1k Kids Fun Run, all to benefit abused and neglected children in Central Texas.

The races will be 'three in one' with the half-marathon runners taking off at 7 a.m. from the Tanger Outlet Center in San Marcos. The half-marathon is on a rolling, certified course with some challenging hills through the countryside east of the Center. The 5k (not certified) runners will start at 7:30 a.m. on an out-and-back over the first part of the half-marathon course, and the 1k will begin at approximately 7:15 a.m.

The half marathon will be chip-timed and 5k runners have the option of participating in either the competitive or fun run.

Early registration entry fees post-marked by Feb. 27 are $45 for the half-marathon, $25 for the competitive 5k and $20 for the 5k fun run. Late registration through race day is $55 and $30, respectively.

The entry fee for the 1k is $10, ages 12 and younger. There is no late fee for the 5k and 1k Fun Runs Awards will be presented in the half-marathon to the male and female Overall, Masters (40-49), Senior Masters (50-59) and Grand Masters (60 and over) champions, and to the top three male and female finishers in each age division (5 year age groups).

In the competitive 5k, awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, male and female Masters winners and the top three male and female finishers in each age division (10 year age groups). All Kids 1k Fun Run finishers will receive a commemorative gift. There are no awards for the 5k Fun Run. The awards presentation will begin at 9:30 a.m.

All participants in the half-marathon will receive a short-sleeved high-tech T-shirt, a pen and a ceramic coffee mug. All participants in the 5k and 1k will receive a short-sleeved 50-50 T-shirt