North Tonawanda, NY — The 13th annual Jamie LaBarbera Memorial 5K Run for Education will take place Saturday as part of North Tonawanda Catholic School’s annual three-day carnival.

This year’s race starts at 9:30 a.m. and will again include a one-mile fun run/walk for anyone who doesn’t want to run three miles.

More than 220 runners are expected to compete in the USA Track & Field-sanctioned race, which begins and ends on the grounds of St. Jude the Apostle Church on Niagara Falls Boulevard and winds through Wurlitzer Park, race director Russ Trippe said.

“The course is fast, flat and generally shady,” Trippe added.

Anyone interested in registering in person can still do so from 5 to 9 p.m. today on the carnival grounds. Runners can also register between 7 and 9 a.m. Saturday.

Runners will compete in age groups ranging from 14 and under to 85 and over, with the top three finishers in each group receiving Wegmans gift cards instead of a trophy. It’s a prize that has gone over well with racers, Trippe said.

Awards also will be given to the overall first place male and female runner, and the top man and woman in the masters age group. Tim Hoff and Jeanne Chiarmonte are the defending overall male and female winners, respectively.

The Wegmans at Niagara Falls Boulevard and Robinson Road and the store on Military Road in Niagara Falls both have donated gift cards to this year’s race.

In addition, nearly 50 door prizes will be given away. A post-race party will feature pizza, hot dogs and beverages, and entertainment by the Jason Clark Band.

This is the 13th year for the Run for Education, proceeds of which benefit NT Catholic School.

Previously called the “NT Catholic School 5K Run,” the race was renamed several years ago in memory of Jamie LaBarbera, a North Tonawanda woman who was killed, at age 22, in an auto accident in 2003.

A member of the cross country and track teams, LaBarbera graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 2000.

She attended Niagara County Community College and also joined the National Air Guard, Unit No. 107.

LaBarbera served in Oman during Operation Enduring Freedom. She was awarded her associate’s degree posthumously from NCCC.

“She was a young lady who was going to go on with her education to be a teacher, and her life was cut short in an auto accident,” Trippe said.

For more information on the race, or to print out a registration form, visit www.jamielabarberarace.com.

Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.