Lace up your sneakers and get your crew together for the 4th Annual Marietta Mardi Gras 5K Run on Feb. 9 on the Marietta Square. Your strides benefit the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta and its community partners.

The 5K run begins at 8 a.m. and 1K begins at 8:45 a.m. Tot-Trot starts at 9 a.m. Cost is $25 for runners who register by Feb. 4. On Feb. 5, the race day cost is $30. The cost for the Tot-Trot is $15.

“The Marietta Mardi Gras Run is the second largest fundraiser for the (Junior) League. Proceeds from the race are used to support our mission and support our work in the community,” said Allison Carter, president of the JLCM. The Marietta resident is married to Chad Carter. They have two sons: Austin, 5, and Luke, 2.

“Our mission is to develop strong community women leaders, promote volunteerism and make an impact in our community. Currently, we have eight community partners that we support with funds and volunteers,” Carter said.

Among JLCM’s community partners are Cobb County Safety Village, The Center for Family Resources, SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, The Center for Children and Young Adults, Communities in Schools, Omosaze, Inc., and the Cobb County Youth Museum.

Support of JLCM’s 5K run impacts the lives of people who live in Cobb County.

“The JLCM is an organization of women dedicated to providing support for women and children in Cobb County, through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers,” said Emily Katarski, chair of the 2013 JLCM Mardi Gras Run. The Marietta resident is married to Dave Katarski. They have one daughter Savannah, 18 months.

Community support equals success.

“For over 80 years, JLCM has served as a catalyst for change, creating a lasting legacy of service in our community. We have been instrumental in the founding and development of vital community organizations, which include the Creswell School, Cobb County Youth Museum, Center for Children and Young Adults, Gate City Nursery and Sheltering Arms Daycare. Without support and participation from our community, we would not be able to do what we successfully do,” Carter said.

The Mardi Gras Run is for the entire family. Participants are encouraged to dress in Mardi Gras costumes for the race. “The first three runners across the finish line in costume will win an extra prize. We can’t wait to see the creative masks this year,” Katarski said.

JCLM is teaming up with Shoes for the Cure for a shoe drive. All shoe donations are welcome, not just running shoes. There will be bins for drop-off available.

Packet pick at the Big Peach Running Company (1625 Ridenour Blvd. in Kennesaw) on Wed., Feb. 6 and Thurs., Feb. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. Register online at www.Marietta5K.com. Sponsorships are available.

To learn more, visit www.jlcm.org.