The Helen Simeonoff Memorial Annual 5K Run kicks off today at the Buskin River Mouth Picnic Center at 3 pm.

The family friendly, healthy event celebrates the return of the salmon to the Buskin River every year. It begins at the center and continues to the #7 bridge on the Buskin River.

Children not yet in school can enter the event for free, while school age children in grades K through 12 can enter for a fee of $10. Adults can register at the center for $15. Forms are available at the center before the run/walk. The incentive for this year is a strapped backpack and is given to each person entering the run.

The run/walk was initially created by the Kodiak Island Borough School District, but has since gained sponsorship from Koniag Inc, the Kodiak Area Native Association, and the Afognak Native Corporation.

This year Meta Carlson will be blessing the run. Last year the blessing was given by Dennis Knagin. Dennis, born in Afognak, passed away this past year on November 29th of 2011, he was 81.

The run was renamed last year to include Helen Simeonoff, one of Kodiak’s foremost Native artists known for her vibrant watercolors. Helen designed the logo for the Salmon Run, she passed away after a long illness on January 8th 2011.

Four of Helen’s prints will be given out as prizes at today’s event. There are prizes of packages of smoked salmon as well as various other prizes donated by businesses in the community.

Prizes will be awarded for the first place finisher as well as the last. There will be prizes awarded to the youngest finisher as well as the oldest. There also will be random prizes awarded throughout the event.

The weather is partly cloudy, but a little bit chilly in Kodiak today, making for fantastic weather for the run.

The run organizers are expecting a turnout of approximately 80 to 120 runners today, so get out and enjoy the fun and the weather, join the race, or just root on your favorite contestant.