"Come out and enjoy the crisp autumn air while jogging or walking through beautiful downtown Southern Pines," says a spokesman for the Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department. "It's time for the annual Autumnfest 5K and Fun Run."

This year's festivities will be held Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Downtown Park. The free one-mile fun run/walk gets under way at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K road race will begin at 9:50 a.m.

The cost of the 5K is $10 prior to Sept. 24, and $15 after, through the morning of the race.

The race entrance fee includes an Autumnfest T-shirt for the first 150 registrants.

To receive a race registration, call the Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department at (910) 692-2463 or print one from the website at www.southernpines.net/recreation.

Race registration on the day of the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Rainey Shelter. Awards will be presented at 11:30 a.m. at the Autumnfest stage.

Sprints for children ages 3-12 years old will be held between the adult race and the awards ceremony, around 10:30 a.m.

These races will vary in distance by ages, but none more than 100 yards. These events are free and registration will take place that morning at Autumnfest.

For more information, contact the Recreation and Parks office at (910) 692-2463, or visit www.southernpines.net/recreation.