It will be off to the races again this year for Bainbridge Youth Services during the city’s Independence Day celebration.

The nonprofit is once again organizing the Island’s July 4th Fun Run. The community event will feature a 1-mile run and 5K run/walk and kids’ dashes. Participants will beat feet in downtown Winslow at 9 a.m.; 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on the Fourth of July.

Registration for the Fun Run has started on www.bifunrun.com.

Bainbridge Youth Services has hosted the run for the past 33 years, and the organization is encouraging individuals and teams to register and wear costumes or festive outfits. This comes as an effort to get more young runners out on the course, to embrace the fun spirit of the holiday, and to introduce Bainbridge Youth Services to families across the island. Planners note that people who are not fleet-of-foot shouldn’t worry; walkers are welcome at the events.

“The July 4 Fun Run is a time-honored tradition for Bainbridge Island, bringing out families and youth to run together in the spirit of our great community,” said Marina Wildsmith, executive director of Bainbridge Youth Services. “This event ties perfectly with our mission of uniting our area youth with their community, and encouraging them to give back in a positive and productive way.”

For more than 50 years, Bainbridge Youth Service has been a cornerstone in the community. It provides no-cost and confidential counseling to youth and teens in need and creating opportunities for young people (ages 12-19) to develop leadership and life skills through our jobs program. “Our ability to directly serve youth with 500 hours of free counseling would not be possible without a wonderful partnership between the sponsors and runners who have helped Bainbridge Youth Service create the strong and lasting programs that so many youth and their families depend upon each year, “ said board chairman Bob Linz.

The organization is located in the 100 building at Bainbridge High School and is open to all teens.

To learn more, visit www.bainbridgeyouthservices.org.