CHARLESTON, W.Va. — 
Get your gym shoes on! The second annual McTrooper 5K Run-Walk takes place Saturday. The West Virginia State Police have teamed up with the Ronald McDonald Charities of Southern West Virginia to raise money. It all goes towards the Ronald McDonald House in Charleston that houses families who have sick children in local hospitals.
Lt. Michael Baylous with the West Virginia State Police will be riding in the pace car with a very special guest, a 4-year-old cancer patient. He said it’s a joy to be able to help out those in need.
“When you think of police officers, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? To protect and serve,” he said. “Oftentimes we focus so much on the protection part that we lose sight of the service part.”
The run/walk gets underway at the Columbia Gas Building just off of MacCorkle Ave. in Charleston starting at 9 a.m. For those who haven’t registered for the event, it’s not too late. They’ll be accepting the $40 race fee prior to the event. For those who aren’t big runners, there’s still a chance to take part.
“Right after the run starts there is a walk and you can participate in that for free,” according to Baylous.
It’s a family event. There will be blow ups for the kids to play in. Ronald McDonald will be on hand. There will also be tours of the Ronald McDonald House.
Baylous said they have been very fortunate to receive support from several area businesses. That along with the registration fee will go a long way towards their goal.
“This is so exciting that we’ll be able to upgrade, or maybe in the future build a new Ronald McDonald House!”
For more information on the event, log on to mctrooperrun.com.