Registration for the inaugural Delphi Diamond Dash is currently underway. The first annual event will be held Sept. 18 in Delphi.

The run, sponsored by Delphi Preservation Society, will wind through the city’s historic district, starting and ending at the Courthouse Square. Featured will be a USATF certified 5K run/walk (3.1 miles) and noncompetitive one-mile Fun Run for kids. The 5K course is already marked with white squares and blue diamonds.

WLFI TV-18 morning anchor and former DCHS graduate Joe LePage will start the 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. on South Washington Street at Delphi’s historic courthouse square.

The Kids Fun Run will start at the Square, turn onto Monroe Street to City Park and back.

Karyl Traeger, race chairman, said the grand prize is a diamond necklace being awarded by Fielding’s Jewelry & Time of Delphi. The drawing will be at 10:30 a.m. beneath the balcony of the Opera House. She reminds runners and walkers that they must be present to win.

Awards to be presented in the 5K dash include: top three male and female runners; top three male and female Masters (over age 40); and top three teams.

The top three Kid’s Fun Run winners will also receive awards.

The first annual run is a fundraiser to help replace the roof on the historic Delphi Opera House.

Traeger said the idea for the run came from one of her daughters who enjoys running in Delphi, especially through the historic areas, when she visits from North Carolina.

“She remarked what a great place Delphi would be to have a run,” Traeger said.

DPS needed to raise funds for the new roof and the race seemed like an opportunity to show off the city and add to the roof fund, Traeger added.

Registration for the 5K run/walk is $25 through Sept. 7 and $30 thereafter. Registration includes a chance to win the diamond necklace, a T-shirt, a knapsack with gifts, bib and timing chip, and pancake and sausage breakfast being served by Delphi Lions Club at the Stone Barn following the race.

Teams of five may register for the price of four with the best three of five times counting towards awards.

To register for the Kid’s Fun Run, participants need a sponsor envelope and $5. Entrants will each receive a free water bottle and clip. Entries may be deposited in the big diamond container.

Fun Run applications are available at The Stone House Restaurant & Bakery and Curves in Delphi. Youth ages 10 and under may participate.

Applications are available at many area businesses or register online at www.deliphireservationsociety.or g/dash.

The registration tent will open at 7 a.m. on race day. Preregistration packets may be picked up that that time.

Following the races, visitors can tour the Delphi Opera House, and enjoy Delphi’s other attractions.

Volunteers are needed to help with the race-day events. To volunteer, contact Traeger at (765) 491-0595, Anita Werling at (765) 202-3211, or Jane Miller at (765) 564- 4119.