Get ready to race for a great cause. The 6th Annual 5K Race for Justice sponsored by the State Bar of Michigan's Young Lawyers Section will be held on Friday, September 27, 2002 at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids. The park is located just 2.5 miles north of the downtown. This event is a fundraiser to support civil legal services for the poor through the Access to Justice Fund and is being held in conjunction with the Bar's 67th Annual Meeting.

The Race for Justice is open to everyone and participants can choose to either walk or run the same five kilometer course. Race day registration and processing begins at 5 p.m. The race starts at 6 p.m. Participants are encouraged to obtain pledges and collect donations for the Access to Justice Fund. Registration for the event is free to those who collect $100 or more in pledged support. Other participants pay only $20 if they register on or before September 13th. After this date, the fee is $25. A T-shirt, snacks and beverages will be provided to participants. Awards will be handed out to first, second and third place winners in each of the ten age groups.

Andrew Portinga, Chairperson of the Young Lawyer's Section is organizing the event. "The Race for Justice has grown every year since we first began doing it. We have significant involvement now from both within and outside the State Bar. Legal Aid programs benefit substantially from this effort," Portinga said.

This year's honorary co-chairs are Judge Michael Smolenski of the Michigan Court of Appeals and Jon Muth, Race founder.

For further assistance contact Jennifer Williams of the State Bar's Access to Justice Campaign staff at (517) 367-6421.