At least 400 runners are expected to participate Saturday in the seventh annual Nash Dash benefit for a student counseling program.

A chip-timed 8K race will start at 8:30 a.m. on the Kansas River levee trail. It will be followed by a family fun run at 9:30 a.m.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. in the Lawrence Visitor Information Center, 402 N. Second St.

The events are sponsored by Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, which operates the counseling program called Working to Recognize Alternative Possibilities (WRAP). Funds raised from the runs go to the program.

WRAP provides counseling to “at-risk” students in Douglas County secondary schools. The division’s summer program also allows mental health professionals to make contact with students when schools are not in session.

Entertainment will be provided during the run by the John Weatherwax Band. Former Kansas University running great Jim Ryun will be the official starter. Also present will be Don Gardner, the founder of Red Dog Days, and his wife, Beverly.

A basketball autographed by Kansas University’s men’s basketball team will be awarded to the largest fundraiser.