By Aaron Johnson
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MASON - Runners are ready to hit the streets of Mason this morning for what could become an annual event to benefit charities.

The first Mason Golden Fall 15K race was set to begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Mason Community Center, thanks to Kunfa Zhang and a group of several other runners in the Mason area.The course starts at the center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road, and winds through the heart of Mason. Organizers expected as many as 500 runners.

The proceeds from the $25 entrance fee will go to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and "Give Kids the World Village."

"The inspiration comes from the community; the year 2003 has been a difficult year," said Zhang, a 31-year-old computer software programmer who resides in Mason, a community that has suffered the loss of several children to childhood diseases.

"I found that there are so many dedicated runners in the neighborhood, that if we get these caring people together we can really make a difference," Zhang said.

The result of his collaboration with the other runners was formation of Mason Marathon Inc., a nonprofit group that plans more charity runs, including marathons.

The group includes course designers Jeff Vaught, Bob Tan and Shenghe Zhan.

"(The group) worked tirelessly. We all have full-time jobs and we also have families. ... It's very meticulous and requires a very large effort, from the safety pins to getting the sponsorship," said Zhang, whose wife, Charlene, helped.

If you go

What: Mason Golden Fall 15K race

Where: Mason Community Center

When: Race starts 7:30 a.m.

Fee: $25, proceeds to charity

For more information, see www.masonmarathon.com