WALHALLA — Next Saturday, a local tradition will once again be held in Oconee County to help benefit a good cause.

Rotary Clubs from across the area, in coordination with the Oconee Road Runners Club, will come together to host the 2009 Rotary Oktoberfest 5K run, while a children’s mile run and fun run will also be held, with proceeds going toward research for the eradication of polio worldwide.

All told, seven Rotary Clubs are involved with the event, including clubs from Fair Play, Walhalla, Westminster and two from Seneca out of Oconee County. Additionally, two clubs out of Clemson are also involved in the event, which drew nearly 200 runners last year.

The event, which has taken place during the Oktoberfest weekend each of the last 15 years, will begin at 9 a.m., with the starting line at the Walhalla Civic Auditorium off of Main Street.

However, this is only the second year the Rotary Clubs have been involved in the annual event, which Seneca Rotary Club committee member Tracy Towns said has marked a successful partnership with the Road Runners Club.

“They brought us in last year to help put the race together and for the proceeds to go toward the eradication of polio,” Towns said. “I’d say that’s maybe as big of a cause as you can possibly get.”

Registration for the 5K race is $25 through next Friday, while those registering on the morning of the race will have to pay $30.

Children 12 and under can participate in the mile run, while children 7 and under can take part in the fun run.

Fees for the mile run are $10 and $5 for the fun run if participants would like a T-shirt.

Both of those races will be held at approximately 9:45 a.m.

To register, call 864-885-9023, or visit www.active.com and search ‘Rotary Oktoberfest 2009.'