Community members will race toward kicking their smoking habit at the third annual Kick Butts Day Saturday as part of a national campaign for the fight against tobacco use.

Kick Butts Day, sponsored by Health Service, allows the community a chance to learn more about the harms of tobacco use and to show their support for strong tobacco policies and education.

“Kick Butts Day began after the university received a grant for the live free tobacco free project,” said Ryan Messinger, health service assistant director.

The purpose of the Live Free Tobacco Free project is to promote a tobacco-free living, and a component of the project has become Kick Butts Day.

The schedule of events for Saturday includes a 5K walk/run, followed by a community picnic where local vendors will have booths filled with food, games, and information. Local businesses will also be in attendance to raise awareness of cessation services that are available to those dealing with tobacco addiction.

“In recent years (Kick Butts Day) has allowed people to get information for themselves or for family or friends on cessation services,” Messinger said.

One of the organizations in attendance on Saturday will be the Coles County Health Department, which will have information on different services available throughout the county and state.

All proceeds from the day will benefit tobacco education.

Proceeds from previous years have gone toward the Illinois Tobacco Quitline which is a statewide program aimed to help people quit smoking. Callers can speak with a certified cessation counselor who is trained to assess callers’ needs and to reinforce a successful path to quitting smoking.

The race is expected to have about 30 participants, while attendees of Kick Butts Day typically reach near 100.

“We’re hoping for a big turnout this year, but it always depends on the weather,” Messinger said.

Kick Butts Day will be held at Morton Park, 1215 Division St., and will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kate Kelleher can be reached at 581-7942 or kmkelleher@eiu.edu