Awesome 3000 co-chairs Dan Shyrock and Velda Schooler have planned a day that will celebrate kids and benefit teachers. This fun run is the primary source of income for the foundation's teacher grants program. Over $1 million has been invested back into the Salem-Keizer School District over the last 25 years to support outstanding educational programs.

Registration forms will be distributed to every Salem-Keizer School District elementary and middle school, and other public, private and pre-schools, over the next two weeks.

Starting March 15, parents can pick up registration forms at the Salem Family YMCA, Gallagher's Fitness Resources, and any area branch of First Tech Credit Union.

Forms also can be downloaded now from the SKEF Web site, or for an additional $3 you can register online at skeducationfoundation.org.

The registration fee is $17 per student, or $12 for the pre-school run. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, medallion and program. Early bird registration deadline is April 19. A late fee of $10 will be added to all entries received between April 20 and 25. No registrations will be accepted after April 25.

Registered runners can pick up their event packets on May 1 or 2 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. at 1110 Commercial Street.

The run is set for May 3 at McCulloch Stadium in Bush Park.

For more information, call the Awesome 3000 Hotline at (503) 370-2885 or email info@skeducationfoundation.org.

The event is sponsored by the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation, which provides resources for creative and innovative programs and materials, educating and mobilizing the community, and sustaining collaborative partnerships that support its goals.

The Awesome 3000 all-youth fun run is the organization's signature event. Proceeds and foundation sponsorships go toward $50,000 in grants each year for original and motivational school programs. More than 800 grants totaling over $750,000 have been awarded to educators since 1982.