MADISON – Crosstown rivals are showing camaraderie in sponsoring the Run to Cure Infant Disorders (R-KIDs) to benefit HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

(CONTRIBUTED)

Teenagers from Bob Jones and James Clemens high schools are coordinating R-KIDS. On Nov. 23, the 5K run will begin at 8 a.m. and the one-mile run/walk at 9:30 a.m. at Madison City Schools Stadium.

The event will raise money for HudsonAlpha’s research to identify genetic causes of childhood disorders by using new technologies to study DNA. HudsonAlpha’s discoveries could directly impact local families, along with the global community.

In a new project, scientists at HudsonAlpha will collect DNA from babies born in North Alabama.

Bob Jones senior David Gunther organized the fundraiser after his summer internship at HudsonAlpha. Gunther scheduled the run, secured sponsorship, ordered T-shirts, mapped the race course, secured permits and requested traffic control from Madison Police Department.

Gunther is serving as race director. Students managing race components are Brett Bowers, community participation; Christian Hess, team administration; Nkechi Norom, social media; Morgan Price, marketing; Nick Sieja, communications; Clara Wan, volunteers; and Ethan Williams, fundraising.

Gunther has issued a challenge for employees of Madison City Schools. He encourages each school to register as many people as possible. After the race, the top five finishers from each school will add their finishing positions. The school with the lowest score will win.

Bob Jones organizers will buy a trophy. Each year, the trophy will pass to the school with the fastest runners.

Each participant in R-KIDS will receive a free T-shirt and refreshments.

Sponsors for R-KIDS include Fleet Feet Sports, I Love Sushi, AEgis Technologies, Signalink.net and Aviagen.

Individuals who don’t enter the race can donate directly by mailing contributions to HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Carter Wells (R-KIDs), 601 Genome Way, Huntsville, AL 35806.

Entry fees are $25 for the 5K, $20 for the one-mile Fun Run and $30 for both events.

To register, visit http://www.active.com/madison-al/running/r-kids-5k-and-1-mile-2013. For more information, visit r-kid.org.