Tomorrow, you can run your way back to school and to a stronger community. Milwaukee Public Schools asks residents to join its first annual run / walk to benefit local school sports programs. "Run Back to School" is a 5K run / 1.5-mile walk starting at Wick Field and winding through Washington Park.

"We felt the 'Run Back to School' would be a great way to start the school year off on a healthy note while raising awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle," Lynn Greb, Milwaukee Recreation's manager of operations and "Run Back to School" event chair explains.

In addition to the run / walk, tomorrow's events include warm-up exercises, post-run refreshments and wellness based exhibits. Caught in the Act (CIA), a nine-piece power horn band, also performs to keep participants pumped up and full of energy.

"We hope the event will provide an opportunity for individuals who may be interested in taking that "first step" towards developing a healthier lifestyle to those seasoned veterans looking to participate in our inaugural run," Greb says.

"Run Back to School" is the newest addition to MPS's strives to increase exercise awareness and promote healthy living. Last year, the school district launched several after-school wellness centers featuring free fitness activities and nutrition information for students.

"The lack of resources within certain areas of our community and the lack of the ability for many of our residents to afford healthy options are contributing factors to this need," says Greb. "MPS Recreation continually works to provide affordable recreation opportunities for the entire Milwaukee community.

"There are many positive outcomes that youth gain by involvement in sports programs. Sports provide an arena for youth to be physically active. Studies have found that children who play sports spend less time in sedentary pursuits like watching television and this can translate to a healthier lifestyle both now and in the future."

The cost of participation including a commemorative T-shirt is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Online registration continues until 12 noon today and re-opens tomorrow between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. at Wick Field, 4929 W. Vliet St.