Volunteers are being asked to attend the Tim Kennard 10-Mile River Run and 5K Run-Walk on March 25 and cheer for participants.

The annual race, now in its 15th year, is in memory of the late Tim Kennard, who, when he learned he wouldn’t survive cancer, asked friends to organize a race and raise money for animal rescues and the community.

Linda Mills, one of the organizers and the friend who got an unhealthy, smoking, Kennard to begin walking, then running, said those interested can call her to determine where they are needed on the course.

“Our reputation is, and we always get compliments, about all the people who come out and cheer and support our runners. We hear, ‘Oh, gosh, it felt so good at Mile 8 when there were five girls screaming and cheering me on. I really needed hat lift.’ I run a lot of races and when I go to those races and there is music and a lot of people cheering, I will go back,” Mills said.

To volunteer, call her at 443-783-0558.

Each year, the race begins at 8:30 a.m., starting and finishing at Maggs Physical Activities  Center on the Salisbury University campus. Runners travel through Tony Tank, Riverside Drive and the Downtown Plaza on a certified, measured, course. About 700 people run or walk.

A portion of money raised benefits Coalition of Caring, to help animals in need of spaying and neutering, shots and medical care, said Mills, who volunteers at the humane society.

“Tim had a son who was 7 years old when he died of kidney cancer and he had three or four dogs all the time. When he knew he wasn’t going to make it, we asked what we could do for him. He said he wanted a race, but he didn’t want a little race,” Mills said.

“This year is our 15th anniversary. We’re just really trying to get people out. Our reputation is quite good when it comes to people being out on the course cheering people on, so we need volunteers,” she said.