FAIRHOPE, Ala. — As far as charity runs go, it’s one of the Gulf Coast’s best kept secrets. But, the Victory Bowl 2009/John Harwood Memorial Fun Run will likely make a big impact on seriously ill children again when it takes place Jan. 3 at 9 a.m.

Race Director Willie Foster said all entry fees benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. The hospital, which was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas and opened in 1962, treats kids regardless of their parents’ ability to pay.

“There’s no cost involved in staying at St. Jude,” Foster said. “If you go up there without a penny in your pocket, you’re still going to get the same medical treatment.”

The race is sponsored by Clay, Massey and Associates, P.A.; First National Bank of Baldwin County, Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa; and Skyland Discount Pharmacy. They cover the cost of the race itself so St. Jude gets more bang for the buck.

Asked the cost of entering the race, Foster said, “Any amount you want to donate to St. Jude. It’s very unusual. I don’t know of anybody else doing that.”

A race T-shirt will be given to those entering the contest, but Foster said anyone may drop by the restaurant, make a donation a take home a shirt.

The race will begin at the Biscuit King Café 9555 County Road 24, and be run west along 24, then north on County Road 13, before turning around just south of County Road 32 then returning to the finish line at the restaurant.

Awards will go to the top three male and female runners in all categories, including Masters, Grand Masters and Senior Masters. That means anyone, from children to seniors, may take part.

The top overall male and female winners in the 10K run will receive a weekend getaway, compliments of the Grand Hotel in Point Clear.

There will also be special drawings for prizes, and free sandwiches and snacks available for all. You are encouraged to bring homemade goodies of your own to share after the race.

Entry forms are available at the Biscuit King, as well as McCoy Outdoor Co. in Mobile, or you may call the restaurant and have one mailed to you. The deadline to receive mail-in entries in Dec. 28. Onsite registration will also be available, however, from 7-8:30 a.m. on race day.

Foster said the Victory Bowl Banquet will be held at the café Jan. 2 at 7 p.m., and reservations may be made now by calling (251) 928-2424. It’s a family event, and dress is casual.

Foster’s wife, Nancy, is planning a pasta buffet with salad, dessert, tea and coffee. The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and children under age 6 will eat free.

This is the 27th annual race and fun run, Foster said. It was begun as a benefit for University of South Alabama cancer research and the naming of the race is a throwback to its roots.

Each year, runners nominate on their race form a person who died as the result of any form of cancer. A drawing is held and one person is honored the following year. The late Harwood’s name was chosen from 2008 entries after being submitted by his son, Richard, who lives and runs in Mobile.

The bowl was established to honor the memory of Ralph Dobbs, who passed away at a young age from cancer.

About 200 people entered the event last year, and Foster hopes even more will take part. Surprisingly few area residents turn out each year, he added, with many coming from Louisiana and elsewhere in Alabama.

“This is a low-key race, but it could be changed by local people walking and running,” Foster said.

Around $3,000 was donated to St. Jude in 2008, and Foster estimated more than $20,000 has been given to the nonprofit hospital over the last 10 years.

For more information about the 27th Annual Victory Bowl/John Harwood Memorial Fun Run, call Willie Foster during the evening at (251) 928-7363.