The race may go to swift, or to the stroller-and-pet enriched, or to a child. Or possibly to “all the above” on Sunday, April 28, according to Chris Monger, President of the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club (BBRC).

Up to 3,000 runners and walkers will put their feet to the ground that day and run or walk to help save and enrich lives of children.

The seventh annual Bellevue Run will include the Overlake Hospital 10K Run, the Y Family 5K Run/Walk, and the Seattle Children’s Kids Dash. All three will raise funds to support Seattle Children’s Autism Center, Kindering, and the BBRC Foundation, which supports local and global service projects and nonprofits with a focus on saving and improving the quality of life for children and families.

“We’re a fun loving bunch of people,” Monger said with a smile, “Which is important when you’re getting up at O-Dark-Thirty to set up for something like this.”

Over 270 volunteers from the BBRC and the local community plan and put on the event, which has grown every year since it was started in 2007.

Registration starts at 6:45 a.m. and exhibitors for the Starbuck’s Village will arrive early to set up along the south parking lot drive in Bellevue’s Downtown Park near the start and finish line.

“Blue Thunder really gets the runners going as they move over to the starting line,” Monger said.

He should know. When he’s not involved in community service, Monger plays drums for a local band.

“I’m not supposed to give out any secrets, but there’s a rumor going around this year that a talented flash mob could appear at any time to bring smiles to the faces of everyone at the event. So bring a camera.”

Activities for children are available during the event. The Children’s Kids Dash is the final running event, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Early registration is live and volunteer sign-ups are underway. To register, volunteer or for more information about the BBRC, the event and its beneficiaries, visit www.bellevuerun.com.