More than 1,000 people, including members of The University of Alabama community, participated in the fifth annual Tuscaloosa Half Marathon (THM) on Saturday, according to The Tuscaloosa News.

The mission of the half marathon, which is presented by CNL Financial and the Radiology Clinic, is to 
encourage healthy habits and exercise through a quality-of-life event. Beyond that, proceeds from the race support several local charities including the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa, ReadBAMARead and Art’s ‘n Autism.

According to The Tuscaloosa News, the THM generated around $177,000 for various charities in its first four years.

“It is the result of thousands of 
runners and tremendous community support that the THM has had the opportunity to give support to local charities,” co-race director Kelsey Rush told The Tuscaloosa News. “From rebuilding parks and school libraries as a result of the 2011 tornado, to supporting young adult programs with Art’s ‘n Autism, or fighting to beat diseases like cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy, participants truly run for a purpose when participating in this annual run.”

Starting at 7 a.m. at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, participants had the option of running the 13.1 mile half marathon or a 5K.

“The course took runners through historic neighborhoods of downtown Tuscaloosa, along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk and through the 
outskirts of The University of Alabama 
campus,” according to The Tuscaloosa News.