It’s time to fish out your running shoes and stretch out those hammies!

The 2012 Santa Anita Derby Day 5K, which has kicked off Derby Day for the past 18 years, will commence bright and early Saturday at 8 a.m. Run through the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden and finish on the race track—all while supporting a number of good causes. Proceeds from the race benefit the Arcadia High School Athletic Boosters Club, which funds the school’s boys’ and girls’ programs; the Arcadia Historical Museum; the California Retirement Management Account, which raises money and finds homes for retired California racehorses; and AbilityFirst, a non-profit organization that provides services and programs for physically and developmentally disabled children and adults.

AbilityFirst, the official beneficiary of the Derby Day 5K, has a storied involvement with the Derby Day 5K. Take last year for example: More than 1,200 AbilityFirst team members participated in the event and helped raise more than $418,000. But for AbilityFirst it’s not simply a race: The nonprofit hopes to inspire other participants with its involvement, and the money raised supports AbilityFirst’s various programs and services. The AbilityFirst team will join nearly 5,000 community entrants, participating side-by-side with non-disabled peers.

The event also includes a 6-furlong race for children 12-and-under, plus a homestretch dash for children under six. Anybody that finishes the race receives a commemorative medal, T-shirt and goodie bag, and awards will be given to the top 3 finishers in the 6-and-under, 7-9 and 10-12 age groups. Kids, how can you pass that up?

Afterward there will be post-run entertainment for everybody. Led by San Gabriel runner and musician Kelly Z, local band Kelly’s Lot will bump its tunes from the middle of the Santa Anita Race Track. Known for its energy and roadhouse rockin’ bluesy sound, the concert will serve as the perfect way to the end the day’s festivities. And for children there will be face painting, moon bounces and various other fun activities.

Oh, and of course you can check out the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby, too. Make a day of it, and bring the kids, run for fun and enjoy a jam-packed day. If you’ve ever wanted to “run like the horses,” or see what it’s like to run on the legendary Santa Anita racetrack, now’s your chance.

For more information, visit santaanitalive.com.

-Sean Fitz-Gerald