The 12th Annual Tim Kennard River Run -- the community’s annual pre-spring athletic and outdoor social event -- will take place on Sunday morning, March 1, at Salisbury University.

The run/walk honors the anniversary of the death of Tim Kennard, 48, who fought a battle with kidney cancer before passing away on March 4, 2004. Kennard requested an annual run/walk be held to benefit children and animals.

This year, proceeds from the event will benefit Coastal Hospice, specifically for pediatric cases and programs for grieving children who have lost a loved one; the Salisbury Horizons Student Enrichment Program that provides support, education and hope to children from economically disadvantaged families; Coalition of Caring, a fund for animals in need; and VSCOA PAWS, a program that teaches disabled homeless veterans to train rescue dogs as service animals.

The event includes a 10-mile run, a 10-mile two-person relay, a 5-mile run/walk and a 5K non-competitive walk. All runs/walks begin and end at Salisbury University, with events winding through the surrounding neighborhoods and along the Wicomico River. Route maps are available at timkennard.org. Parking is available at Salisbury University in Lot B and the parking garage.

Early bird registration is available by mail or online at timkennard.org until Sunday. Packet pick-up and race registration will occur on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Vernon Powell Shoes at the Centre at Salisbury from noon until 5 p.m. Entry fees vary according to the event and time of registration.

Race day begins with registrations from 7 until 8:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. with runners and walkers taking to streets of Salisbury at 9 a.m.

An awards ceremony and post-race party follows the course completion. Runners and walkers can earn cash awards or age group awards for their performance.

The Tim Kennard River Run is hosted by Salisbury University, and sponsored by Comcast, Renegade Communications, Choptank Electric Cooperative, Delmarva Power, The Gaudreau Law Firm, Vernon Powell Shoes, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Geiger Pump & Equipment, Apple Drugs, the Krometis Family, Marriott Residence Inn, the Bernstein Family, The City Florist, Robinson’s Jewelry & Clock Store, Bank of America and the Salisbury Independent newspaper.

More information and registration is available at timkennard.org.