An event that was created for charity now has become a staple of summer running events in Kitsap County.

The sixth 5-kilometer Miracle Run at South Kitsap Regional Park is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 8.

It was developed in 2010 by Erica Runyan, who then was a student at Central Kitsap High School. She said her idea originated from watching her brother, Adam, a 2008 Central graduate who ran cross country, in addition to the successful nationwide Susan G. Komen races, which are dedicated to breast-cancer research.

Proceeds from this year’s event benefit the uncompensated care fund at Seattle Children’s Hospital and StandUp for Kids Kitsap County. Registration is $20 on race day or $15 on the website: http://www.miraclerun5k.com/.

The event Runyan created — it now is run by her mother, Adrienne — were dedicated to benefit children. The younger Runyan enlisted the help of R. Scott Lucke, who organizes the HotFoot Run each June at South Kitsap Community Park, and Silverdale’s Whale of a Run producer Greg Chapman for assistance.

“I was fortunate enough to have Lucke and Chapman help me out that first year,” Runyan said.

An inspiration for Runyan to help children came when she visited her native North Carolina and visited a neonatal nurse.

“When I saw babies holding on for their life, I wanted to give back to those children,” Runyan said. “It’s really a passion of mine and my calling.”

The elder Runyan said the races — there also is a 1-mile run/walk — usually draw more than 130 participants and raises $2,000.

“Our whole family recognizes … we’re not the only ones here in the community,” she said. “There are others less fortunate than we are and it’s important to give back when we can.”