In an effort to raise money for those in need at the Amherst Survival Center, the University of Massachusetts will host its annual UMass 5K Dash & Dine race on April 11 at the Southwest Residential Area. The event will kick off at 11 a.m., with registration held beforehand at 9 a.m. Online registration ends April 10.

Both the UMass community and the general public are invited to participate in the race. Tripper O’Mara, one of the project managers of the event, said the race this year will feature its first “Fun Run” for children under eight years old. O’Mara said the purpose of this is to “encourage even more families in the area to attend.”

The event will begin at the top of the Southwest horseshoe and end at the Berkshire Dining Commons where racers will be treated to a complementary lunch at the end of their race. As it approaches its sixth year, the Dash & Dine has been considered “a great way for everyone to give back to the community,” while also encouraging “participants to live a healthy and active lifestyle,” according to O’Mara.

From past years, both the local community and the UMass community have shown support for this event. Last year, the race had over 2,000 participants. This year, organizers hope that number will grow to as many as 3,000 participants.

But the number of participants is not the only thing the organizers are hoping will grow in numbers. Last year, the race raised over $6,000 to benefit the survival center, and organizers are hoping to raise even more money this year for the cause. To raise additional funds for the center, the race will also be selling raffle tickets for giveaways that will have prizes from local gyms, retail locations, spas and restaurants.

But for O’Mara, just getting involved in this event is worthwhile.

“It’s great to see everyone. Students, faculty, staff and the local community come together to support a great cause, have fun and eat well,” he said. O’Mara and the race committee not only encourage runners to participate, but O’Mara added that “walkers … wheelchairs and strollers are always welcome as well.”

Tickets for the race cost $5 for members of the UMass community and $20 for the general public. Net proceeds from the event will be donated directly to the survival center. Those interested in registering for the event can do so at www.runumass.com/register.html.

Melisa Joseph can be reached at [email protected].