Registration Begins at 8 a.m., Race Begins at 9 a.m.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - March 16, 2012) - - - Whether you're a casual runner or you're training for the Boston Marathon the fourth annual "Lungs of Steel" 5k run/walk is a fun event for all ages. Bring your kids, your pets and your parents.

The Columbia State Community College Respiratory Care Club is hosting its annual 5k event on Saturday, March 24 at Maury County Park in Columbia. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m., and the race begins at 9 a.m. Race-day registration for the 5k run/walk is $20, and the one-mile fun-run and pet run/walk are $10 each.

In addition to the more competitive 5k run/walk, there will be a one-mile fun-run for kids, as well as a pet run/walk. The race is open to everyone in the Maury County community, and the registration form is available online at www.columbiastate.edu/5k-run-walk.

"It's exciting to see the kids out running and having fun," said Candis Littrell, a member of the Respiratory Care Club and event organizer. "So far, we have about 70 people registered, and we hope many more will come out for the event and bring their little ones."

In conjunction with Maury County Parks and Recreation, the Columbia State Respiratory Club has planned the event to raise money for the state Respiratory Care Convention in Nashville. Respiratory Care students have the opportunity to attend the convention with other students, teachers and respiratory professionals from Tenn., as well as potential employers.

"I always look forward to going to the convention," said Kara Jones, a Respiratory Care student and the event's co-organizer. "Having the opportunity to meet with prospective employers is especially appealing because I'm graduating in May."

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest higher education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

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