IOWA FALLS, Iowa — Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s 4-H Program-Region 8 in Boone, Hardin, Marshall and Story counties kicked off National 4-H Week, Oct. 5-11, with a 4-H and Family 5K Run/Walk Saturday at Ada Hayden Heritage Park in Ames.

"This is our first attempt at a regional 5K," Emily Klaffke, Hardin County 4-H and Youth coordinator for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Iowa Falls, Iowa, said before the event.

"Mostly, we’re going for fun," she added. "We plan to use the proceeds toward regional programs, day camps, and workshops."

Awards were presented to the Overall Male and Female finishers as well as the top finishers in each age division. There were also awards for the Best Group Costume and Best Individual costume. Local area business sponsors and donors helped the event occur, and proceeds from the race will be used for regional programs, day camps and workshops.

According to recent findings from the Tufts University 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, when compared to their peers, young people in 4-H are nearly four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to pursue healthy behaviors; and two times more likely to engage in STEM programs in their out-of-school time.

"Priority program areas include healthy living, citizenship, leadership, communication, arts and STEM," Klaffke said.

Currently, more than 105,000 young Iowans are involved in 4-H clubs, special interest groups, school enrichment, camping and other 4-H programs each year.

Headquartered at the ISU campus in Ames, Iowa’s 4-H programs are available through Extension and Outreach offices in all 99 counties. During National 4-H Week, local 4-H programs are hosting open houses and special events and inviting youth to learn about and enroll in 4-H.

In addition, more than 7,500 adult volunteers contribute their time, energy and expertise to engage youth in hands-on learning experiences in healthy living; science, technology, engineering and math; citizenship and leadership; and communication and the arts.

ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development partners with nearly 3,000 organizations, associations, businesses and school districts to strengthen local 4-H programs, including long-term learning experiences with youth through 4-H clubs and shorter-term learning through camps, special events and in-school and out-of-school programs.

Nearly 1,000 4-H afterschool programs serve approximately 17,000 children and youth in grades K-12. During National 4-H Week, the Washington County 4-H is requesting a 4-H flag be flown in every Iowa town.

In 2015, National 4-H Week will run Oct. 4-10.