NORWICH – The Chenango Arts Council is calling on area runners and walkers to put on their running shoes and take to the streets of the City of Norwich for an annual fundraiser that partners athleticism with the arts.

Those participating in the 12th annual Chenango Arts Council Allegro Run for the Arts will hit the starting line at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Arts Council, located at 27 W. Main St. This once-a-year, 3.1 mile heat is a chance for fitness fanatics to lace-up, take to the streets and support the arts.

Victoria Kappel, director of the Chenango Arts Council, said although the event has traditionally brought out many of the same faces every year, it has certainly grown during that time.

“This is such an important fundraiser for us,” she said, citing the impact such fundraisers have in supporting the agency’s mission to support and encourage participation and appreciation of the arts and humanities in Chenango County. “This is an easy, fun, and relatively affordable way for anyone to support the arts.”

The Allegro Run for the Arts sees an estimated 200 runners each year, Kappel said, bringing in an average of $7,000 in proceeds to benefit the Council of the Arts. With clear skies in the weather forecast, hopes this year are to see even more participants on the start line.