The 27th annual Hope College Run-Bike-Swim-Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9, in conjunction with the college's Homecoming Weekend.

  The 27th annual Hope College Run-Bike-Swim-Walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9, in conjunction with the college's Homecoming Weekend.

The Run-Bike-Swim-Walk, held since 1978 when the college opened its Dow Health and Physical Education Center, will be co-sponsored by Shoreline Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Clinic, and South Washington Family Medicine in cooperation with the college's department of kinesiology.

Events will include running, biking, swimming and walking. There will also be a health fair open to both participants and spectators.

The 3,200-meter (two-mile) prediction walk will begin at 10 a.m. at the Dow Center and travel through the Buys Athletic Complex. The 10 best predictions, estimating the amount of time the competitor will require to complete the walk, will win medals.

The cycling events include a criterium 5,600-meter (3.5-mile) race beginning at 9 a.m. for non-licensed cyclists that are 17 years old and younger; a criterium 8,000-meter (five-mile) race for non-licensed cyclists 18 years old and older (beginning times range from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. depending on age category); and a criterium 3/4-mile repeat course. Protective hard shell head gear will be required.

Competitive runners will compete in a 5,000-meter (3.1-mile) run beginning at 10 a.m.

The Kresge Natatorium in the Dow Center will be the site of two swimming events: a 400-meter (1/4 mile) race against the clock beginning at 8:30 a.m. for those 14 years and younger, and an 800-meter (1/2 mile) race beginning at 9:15 a.m. for those 15 years and older.

The health fair will be held in the Dow Center from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Information will be provided on diet and nutrition, exercise and stress management techniques. Calculations will be available on a person's body fat, blood pressure, flexibility and muscle strength.

A T-shirt will be provided for participants who register by Friday, Oct. 1, but entries will be accepted on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 8 a.m. Competitors may dress and shower in the Dow Center.

The registration fee is $7 for each competitive event. Registration forms are available at the main office in the Dow Center, located on 13th Street at Columbia Avenue on the Hope campus, or by calling (616) 395-7690.