BERLIN – A local church invites members of the Berlin community to stretch their legs for a good cause with the 3rd Annual St. Paul United Methodist Church Memorial 5K.

The event, which is open to people interested in running or walking, is set for 7:30 a.m. p.m. on April 11. As its name suggests, the 5K is meant to honor those who have passed away.

“People walk in memory of their deceased loved ones,” said organizer Bertha Purnell.

Purnell and her daughter, Ashley Foreman, came up with the idea for the event as they were looking for a way to raise money for outreach programs at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

“Our church’s goal is to be a beacon of light for the community,” Purnell said. “We try to assist people through outreach.”

To do that, the Memorial 5K was started. For a registration fee of $10 in advance and $15 the day of the event, anyone is able to take part and walk or run in memory of a loved one. The event, which this year will be emceed by WMDT’s Jobina Fortson, begins with a greeting from Berlin Mayor Gee Williams as well as comments from other local officials and the church’s pastor. A volunteer will guide participants through stretches before the 5K begins.

Purnell says the event attracted 150 people its first year. That number doubled in 2014.

“Each year it gets more exciting,” she said, adding that participants had started getting together teams and making matching T-shirts. “They get excited because they can walk in memory of their deceased loved ones.”

Purnell says anyone is welcome to attend, even if all they want to do is sit along the course and cheer on the walkers and runners.

“You don’t have to be a participant to come out,” she said.

After the 5K, the church will provide food and music. Karen Sully-Birckhead will do a Zumba demonstration and gospel rapper Jamarr Rashan will perform.

Purnell said the money raised by this year’s event would fund the church’s outreach efforts, which in recent years have included providing financial assistance to those struggling with energy bills or rent.

“We don’t get a lot but it’s enough,” she said.

For more information, contact Purnell at 410-641-0713.