HUNTSVILLE – Costumes and carts will invade downtown Huntsville for a good cause when the Downtown Rescue Mission presents the third annual Carts4Hearts Adventure Race.

Billed as “The Fastest Parade in Huntsville,” the Carts4Hearts Adventure Race will start at 9 a.m. on Feb. 17 at the city parking lot across from The Lumberyard, 108 Cleveland Ave. NW in downtown Huntsville.

“Teams of six heavily-costumed humanoids, raising food and funds for the purpose of changing lives of the homeless and hurting in Huntsville, all will race tricked-out shopping carts through the streets of downtown Huntsville,” Tonia Beverly said. Beverly works as Event Director for the Downtown Rescue Mission.

Organizers intentionally chose a winter month to stage the outdoor event. “The February date hopes to bring awareness to the weather conditions the homeless community is dealing with during this time of year,” Beverly said.

Another component of the event is a food drive and fundraiser held before the race. Each team secures donations. “Just talking to people they know about contributing toward the race raises awareness about Downtown Rescue Mission and its different programs,” Beverly said.

Registration for the event is free. Instead of paying fees, teams can direct their attention to raising funds and donating food to the downtown mission.

“There’s no event like this anywhere in the South. It’s an adventure race, fundraiser, food-raiser, clothing drive, parade and costume contest — all rolled into one,” Beverly said. “We would love for folks to bring their families and friends to watch the race and bring some gently used clothing to throw into the passing laundry carts.”

In addition, a People’s Choice award will recognize for team who best portrays the theme. Spectators can vote by donating $1 for each vote for their favorites.

The Downtown Rescue Mission provides food, clothing and shelter to the homeless and hurting men, women and children of North Alabama and South Tennessee. For more information on the Downtown Rescue Mission, visit downtownrescuemission.org.

To register for Carts4Hearts or for more race details, call Beverly at 256-713-4343, email tonia@downtownrescuemission.org or visit carts4hearts.com.