NILES — The Cat Tracks 5K Trail Run/Walk is returning to August.

The 12th annual event is moving back to the first Saturday in August after the 2017 version was moved to September, but lost participation.

“We switched the date to September in 2017 so the event would be held during the school year,” said Jill Haboush of the YMCA. “The thought was to gain additional participation and support from Brandywine students and families. But, we quickly realized that we lost attendance from the running community. So, this year we moved it back to August.”

Cat Tracks is a fundraiser for the Brandywine Community Schools Foundation, in partnership with the YMCA of Southwest Michigan. This year’s proceeds will support the Summer My Way program for Brandywine’s summer school youth.

The 5K course follows the Brandywine High School cross country course featuring the “swamp” and features chip timing.

The pre-registration fee, which ends Saturday, is $20 per person. The cost is $25 after July 21 through race day.

Packet pick-up and registration will be in the Brandywine cafeteria from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 and from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Aug. 4.

“Registration is just getting rolling,” Haboush said. “We have 18 participants registered to date. Our 2017 attendance was low with only 70 participants. The Cat Tracks 5K usually averages 120 to 180 participants.”

Haboush also said that the event is in need of volunteers.

“Volunteers are essential to a successful event,” she said. “They assist in the course setup, registration process, cheering on participants, and event cleanup. Individuals or groups interested in volunteering can contact me.”

For more information or to register, go to ymcaswm.com/cat-tracks