It’s an annual summer run that brings together two rival high schools.

The 2007 Crosstown Unity Run, which is open to anyone, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday. The main 5-mile run starts at Free State High and ends at Lawrence High. It’s the sixth annual fundraiser for both cross-country and track and field programs.

“It does connect the two schools. We’re competitors during the season, but for this race, we come together for it,” said Chip Anderson, Lawrence High’s cross-country coach.

The 5-mile run follows a course that begins in northwest Lawrence and winds down in elevation through Kansas University before ending at LHS. Police will help runners cross major streets until 9:15 a.m.

Previous races have involved hundreds of runners, and they typically raise about $2,000 for each school to help with equipment, uniforms and other expenses, Anderson said.

Registration on race day is available from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at LHS, but earlier registration is encouraged either from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at Francis Sporting Goods, 731 Mass., or online through www.unityrun.com.

A 2-mile run also begins at 8 a.m. west of the Lied Center and ends at LHS. A 1-mile fun run or walk starts at 9:20 a.m. at LHS. Buses will leave LHS from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. to take runners to starting lines at Free State or the Lied Center.

It costs $20 to register for the 5- and 2-mile runs on race day, and $18 to register earlier. The 1-mile fun run costs $10. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female runners, as well as in several age groups.