KANNAPOLIS — The Duke Dash 5K and Healthfest will return to the N.C. Research Campus on Saturday with a twist — a free Kids Fun Run immediately following the race for children 12 and younger.

Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute is inviting the public to the festival, part of a yearlong celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Murdock study.

The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. The first 200 registered runners will receive a free T-shirt. Register by going to racesonline.com/events/dukedash5k.

 Healthfest will offer free, family-friendly activities from 9 to 11:30 a.m. including Zumba, line dancing, a DJ, Walk With a Doc, local vendors, face painting, a photo booth, and make-your-own trail mix.

“We are so excited to welcome the community back for the sixth annual Duke Dash 5K and Healthfest,” said Perla Nunes, community engagement leader for the Duke institute. “The event will be extra special this year because it’s also the 10th anniversary of the Murdock study, which we are celebrating throughout 2019.”

Organizers encourage people to bring lawn chairs to the festival, as well as expired prescriptions to safely dispose of them at the medication drop-off.

The Duke Dash 5K and Healthfest is part of the Run Kannapolis series and will go on rain or shine in front of the Core Laboratory Building at 150 Research Campus Drive in Kannapolis.