By CLARKE STACKHOUSE / Staff Writer

HOOVER — Locals can run for research and run for those who can’t at the Steel Strides for MDA 5K on June 15 at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road in Hoover.

Terri Wilson, executive director of the Birmingham office of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, said on-site registration begins at 8 a.m. with the run to follow at 9 a.m.

The event hosted 100 runners last year, and was able to raise $12,000 for spinal muscular atrophy research through registration fees and corporate sponsors. This year the event has already raised $15,000 for spinal muscular atrophy research.

They want to see around 200 runners this year, Wilson said.

On-site registration has a fee of $30, and pre-registration is discounted at $25.

“Seventy-four cents of every dollar made, goes back to program services,” Wilson said.

The event is sponsored by many local iron and steel companies and the title sponsor is KGS Steel.

“The family that owns KGS has been personally affected by spinal muscular atrophy and the money is earmarked for research,” Wilson said.

Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease that causes a loss of spinal motor movement and muscle weakness. Spinal muscular atrophy is responsible for more infant deaths than any other genetic disease.

MDA was founded in 1950 and is leading the fight for research for muscular genetic diseases.

“If you have any type of muscular disease, MDA is where you go,” Wilson said.

There are many volunteer opportunities for MDA and the 5K. The need for volunteers is especially high for their upcoming summer camp.

If interested in registering for the 5K, visit Active.com. For all other volunteer opportunities contact the MDA office at (205) 823-8191.