Organizers of the 2018 Candyland Christmas Half Marathon and 5K say they expect next Saturday’s event to be their biggest ever.

As of Friday, there were 117 people registered to participate, which is more than have ever been registered a week before the race, organizer Jennifer O’Neal said.

“We had 138 one year, but we are ahead of schedule on the number,” she said. “This will be the most we’ve had.”

Participants may choose to participate in a half-marathon (13.1 miles) or a 5K (3.1 miles). Walkers and runners are welcome. There also will be a one-mile fun run, which is free for ages 10 and under.

“We have more than 100 volunteers signed up to help,” she said.

Proceeds from the event will go to the track and cross county teams at the county’s six high schools, and Evers said she and other runners who have organized it want to also promote running.

The race begins at city hall next Saturday, Dec. 8. The half-marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K begins at 8.

Packets can be picked up from 5:30 to 7:30 Friday night at city hall, or on Saturday morning.

In addition to the run, participants can compete for a best costume prize, and have their photographs made with Santa.

Best Western is offering a discount to runners who book rooms for the event.

Online registration is $45 for the half marathon, $30 for the 5K, and $20 for high school cross country team members who participate.

Online registration is available at s://register.chronotrack.com.