Recovering from substance abuse takes great effort. You can help someone on the path to drug- or alcohol-free living, simply by running, walking or volunteering at the Heroes in Recovery 6K Run and Walk this Sunday morning in University Research Park. Your entrance fee and time will benefit UNC Charlotte’s Collegiate Recovery Community, which supports students as they seek to become drug or alcohol-free.

Program Director Tracey Suggs says that more than 300 runners and volunteers raised $2,500 for the campus program at the inaugural 6K in 2014. She hopes to raise much more this weekend. The money will help provide services and, more important, spread awareness among UNC Charlotte’s estimated 1,100 students needing help with substance abuse.

“We’ve been here since 2011, so we’re a very new program and need help getting out the word, because we find every week that someone didn’t know we were here and could have benefited from the program, or they know someone who might,” Suggs said.

A national group, Heroes In Recovery, has organized Sunday’s 6K run. “Heroes in Recovery celebrates the heroic efforts of those who seek the addiction and mental health they need without feeling ashamed or isolated,” the group’s website says. VIEW A VIDEO ABOUT HEROES IN RECOVERY

Heroes In Recovery 6K Run & Walk details

The Heroes in Recovery 6K will take place Sunday morning. The event will start and end at the Peak 10 facility at 10101 David Taylor Drive, in the middle of University Research Park. VIEW COURSE MAP

Race-day registration will run 6:30-7:45 am ($40; cash or check only). The race will start at 8 am. Awards will be presented about 9 am. People who pre-register can pick up race packets 11 am-4:45 pm Saturday at the Charlotte Running Company in Dilworth Shopping Center, 1412 East Blvd.

A total of $1,500 in cash prizes will go to the top 4 overall male and female finishers and top 4 Masters male and female finishers. All people who finish will get a medal, tech shirt and post-race nutrition.

How you can help Sunday’s 6K

Run – Part of each runner’s entry fees will go to Collegiate Recovery Community. Entry fees are $35 per person or $40 on race morning. REGISTER TO RUN

Student and CRC discounts – Students can register to run for 50% off, while CRC students can run at no cost. Use the following codes when you register:

• Student 50% off Coupon Code: 2015STUDENTS
• CRC Students Discount Code: UNCCRC2015

Volunteer – The race will also need many volunteers to set, tear down, serve food, hand out water and just cheer the participants. All volunteers get a free event T-shirt. GET DETAILS

Learn more about CRC

The Collegiate Recovery Community is a safe, supportive environment for students that are recovering from alcohol, drugs and/or other addictive disorders, located in The Student Health Center.

The Collegiate Recovery program offers weekly 12 Step meetings, experiential activities, peer-mentorship as well as volunteer opportunities where sober students serve their community, build friendships, develop a solid support system, and build a lifetime of fun, happy memories. The CRC also links students with other campus resources needed to succeed in school including advisors, tutors and mentors.

For more information about joining the Collegiate Recovery Community, visit the group website or call: 704‑687‑7407 or 704‑687‑7414.