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Runners are lacing up their running shoes ahead of this weekend's Bridge the Gap to Health Race.

This Saturday marks the 12th year for the event. All of the proceeds raised from the race go to the Quincy Catholic Charities MedAssist program. 

The MedAssist program helps leverage millions of dollars worth of prescription drugs for people in our community. People that benefit from the program are one's that do not qualify for any other type of assistance, but do not make enough to afford their costly prescription medications.

In the past eleven years, Bridge the Gap has raised more than $10.7 million of prescription for people right here in our community.

"It's not the people who are getting the aid, it's the people who typically slip through the cracks" Carrie Kimber, Bridge the Gap Race Director said.  "We are working for the working poor in our community who have to make that decision between food and prescription medication."

This year there is a category for everyone, so do not think you have to be an avid runner to participate. 

Categories for walkers include the 5K leisure walk and the walking half marathon. Line up for the walkers starts a little later this year, at 9 a.m.

For those who are feeling more ambitious, running categories include the 5K and 10K run, and the half marathon.

The race starts at Clat Adams Park in Quincy, Ill.

To register ahead of the May 12 event, go to www.active.com.

Registration is also available at the Kroc Center on Friday, May 11 during the race expo from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.or the morning of the race.

For further information about Bridge the Gap to Health Race or the MedAssist program, call 217-228-0958.