By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Apr 25, 2014 at 12:01 PM

SHARP Literacy Inc. and Summerfest announced today that the first annual "Kids Run to Read" one-mile run will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14 at Henry Maier Festival Park.

The event will be held at the 4th annual Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run and is open to children ages 6-12. It will be capped at 250 registered participants and the runners will be divided into age categories: 6-7 years, 8-9 years and 10-12 years.  

All young runners will receive a t-shirt, race bib suitable for coloring, race bag filled with goodies, finishing medal and healthy snack at the finish line. 

Race bibs will be coded to match the parents of each participant. Although parents will not be permitted to run with their children, they will be encouraged to cheer on their kids from the course or greet them at the finish line – the same finish line used by Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run participants. 

Online registration is open now at the "Kids Run to Read" page of the Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run website at rocknsolerun.com.  

Registration is $12 in advance or $17 at the event on race day – if the race is not at capacity. Parents will be required to sign a waiver for their child to participate, which will be included with on-line registration materials.  

Race packets will be available for pick-up at the Summerfest Rock ‘n Sole Run Health & Fitness Expo, which will be held at the Italian Community Center, located at 631 E. Chicago Ave. on Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13. Hours for the Expo are 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday.  

Funds raised at "Kids Run to Read" will go toward SHARP’s foundational literacy program to nearly 7,000 elementary school students in 34 of Milwaukee’s most at-risk schools, and will also support the initiatives of Milwaukee World Festival Inc. which produces Summerfest, hosts ethnic and cultural events and provides entertainment and educational opportunities for free or at a low cost throughout the season at Henry Maier Festival Park.