It promises to be a crowded field this Saturday as the annual Autism 5K gets off and running in downtown McMinnville on Court Square.

According to organizer Darlene Bryant, the event has set a new record with more than 600 preregistered to participate.

Those who haven’t preregistered, but who still want to join the excitement, can take advantage of race-day sign-ups Saturday morning. Registration will be accepted from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at a table which will be set up next to the Court Square fountain. The cost is $35 and some T-shirts are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Race start time is scheduled for 8 a.m.

It will be the eighth year for the event which donates proceeds to autism-related programs in Warren County.

Said Bryant, “We have such a great community. The people of Warren County are always ready and willing to come together to help those in need. I am proud to be part of such a great team and be part of such a caring, generous community.”

For those interested in participating competitively, there are several age groups for men and women in youth, teen, and adult categories. The race starts and ends at Court Square.