More than 1,300 runners are expected to invade downtown Dowagiac July 27 for the 39th annual Steve’s Run.

The Original Road and Trail Race, aka Steve’s Run, is set for a 9 a.m. start. Runners may compete in the 10K run, 5K run or 5K walk. The Dogpatch Derby, a 1K fun run, begins at 9:03 a.m.

The start of the run begins in historic downtown Dowagiac and ends at Lions Park. The event is in conjunction with the Dowagiac’s Summer in the City festival.

Runners who pre-register prior to 5 p.m. July 24 will be guaranteed a Steve’s Run T-shirt.

Cost is $25 for the 10K run, $20 for the 5K run or walk, and 50 cents to participate in the Dogpatch Derby. Those who register July 26 or 27 will pay $30 for late registration.

Participants can honor a cancer survivor or victim and support cancer research by buying special Steve’s Run Fire Up signs. The signs will be posted along the 5K and 10K routes in Riverside Cemetery. Signs are $5 each and can have a special message placed on the sign.

The Original Road and Trail Race was renamed “Steve’s Run” in memory of Steven Briegel, a Southwestern Michigan College honors graduate who lost his fight against cancer in 1990. All proceeds, including 100 percent of the pledge monies, are donated to SMC’s Steven Briegel Scholarship Fund and the Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Fund.

To register or to purchase Fire Up! signs, go to stevesrun.swmich.edu. Registration packets can be picked up Friday evening or on race day at the Front Street Crossing/Cass County Council on Aging site, 227 S. Front St., Dowagiac.