The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will hold its 14th annual “Race for the Birds!” this coming Saturday, April 25, at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) just north of Shepherdstown.

The race will start at 9 a.m. On site registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.

This year’s race will include a new distance event: a professionally timed 15K (9.32-mile) trail race that will replace the 7.7-mile trail race held in recent years.

There will also be an 8K (4.97-mile) professionally timed trail race; a self-timed, 2-mile community jog/walk for families and individuals who prefer a slower pace; and a 1-mile “Fun Run” for children under 10 years of age.

The 15K and 8K races will follow trails that wind through the forests and fields of the 538-acre NCTC campus.

The 2-mile jog/walk will follow a course that will be very user-friendly for families with small children, and trail-friendly baby joggers will be appropriate and encouraged.

The trails on the NCTC campus are not normally open to the general public so this will be a good opportunity to visit and enjoy the facility’s beautiful trail network.

The two races will begin at 9 a.m. The jog/walk will begin shortly afterwards and the children’s Fun Run will be held at about 10:45 a.m.

The children’s Fun Run will be free. Fees for the other portions of the event will range from $20 to $35.

All proceeds will be used to support Potomac Valley Audubon’s programs for children, and all fees will be tax deductible.

For more information, go to the race website at www.raceforthebirds.org. Or contact Krista Hawley at adultprograms@potomacaudubon.org or 703-303-1026.