A Kent tradition, the popular Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk, returns Dec. 8, with the MultiCare Health System serving as the title sponsor.

The Rush returns to its former starting location at Russell Road Park, 24400 Russell Road. The 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run is scheduled to start at 9:50 a.m., followed by the 5K at 10.

The event celebrates 30 years of running in Kent.

“Thanks to a program started five years ago by Tab Wizard, the event has the fifth-highest participation for kids under the age of 13 in the United States,” said race organizer Mark Hendrickson of Kent’s Parks and Recreation Cultural Programs division. “Last year nearly 600 kids were able to run or walk for free and receive a finisher’s T-shirt for their efforts.”

Kent’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services welcomes MultiCare as the new title sponsor.

“MultiCare has made it possible for all kids 13 and younger to participate in the run for free. Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, a part of MultiCare, is focused on keeping kids and their families healthy through activities, such as the Christmas Rush and through an expansion of our pediatrics services in Auburn, Maple Valley and Kent,” said Janelle Tiegs, Kent/Maple Valley/Northshore regional manager for MultiCare.

Hendrickson said improvements have been made to the course and starting area.

A modified, out-and-back 5K course will take runners along Riverbend Golf Course on their return trip to the finish line, Hendrickson said. The 10K course will consist of a big loop that goes through the Kent Valley between Meeker Street and 212th Street.

“The best part of the new course is that the 5K and 10K runners will not even see each other until the last 25 yards of the race,” Hendrickson said. “It’s been three years in the making to ensure those runners don’t share the same course.”

The race is certified and chip-timed by BuDu Racing.

Highlights include live holiday music, and prizes and awards for the top-five finishers in each age group. Special activities and vendor booths will round out the morning to create a festive atmosphere.

Entry fees are $10 or $25, including a technical T-shirt, before Nov. 30. Entry fees go up to $20 or $35, including a technical T-shirt, on Dec. 1.

Participants age 13 and under run for free, and receive a complimentary T-shirt, courtesy of MultiCare Health System.

Registration forms are available at the Kent Commons and many Puget Sound athletic stores. Online registration is available at www.active.com.

Participants can avoid the lines on race day by picking up shirts and bibs at RoadRunner Sports at Kent Station on Dec. 5 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Race-day registration and packet pickup also are available near the start/finish line at 8 a.m.

Parking is available at Russell Road Park. Please allow for an additional 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot to the registration/starting area. Staff will be on site to provide guidance.

For more information, call 253-856-5050.