Registration for the LungStrong 15K/5K Run-Walk for Lung Cancer begins Saturday morning at 6:45 at Jetton Village off Catawba Avenue and Jetton Road. Those up for the 15K challenge leave the starting line at 7:45. Runners tackling the 5K course will depart at 7:50. A children’s fun run will begin at 9 a.m.

Founded by Mooresville’s Eddie David as a memorial tribute to his father, the LungStrong event is designed to raise money for research while also increasing awareness – and clarifying some myths – about lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Lung cancer claims more victims each year than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined but, because of its lingering stigma as a “smoker’s disease,” it is sometimes overshadowed as a cause worthy of support.

Statistics indicate that more than 60 percent of the people who develop lung cancer never smoked or quit smoking decades before being diagnosed.

Proceeds from Saturday’s event will go to the LUNGevity Foundation, the country’s leading private supporter of lung cancer research. Created in 2001 by seven lung cancer survivors, the organization has put more than $3.7 million into cancer research programs. Last year, the LungStrong event drew more than 1,200 participants and raised more than $85,000 for lung cancer research. This year’s fundraising goal is $100,000.

Individuals and teams interested in taking part can register online at www.lungstrong.com. Registration is also available on the day of the race. The participation fee for the 15K is $35 ($45 on the day of the race) and $25 ($35) for the 5K. The entry fee for the one-mile fun run is $5. All participants will receive a T-shirt.