Tracy Press

The March of Dimes' main fundraiser will wind through Tracy this weekend.

A walkathon to raise money and awareness for prematurely born babies will kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday, with participants walking a 4-mile route around Tracy.

After the walk, organizers will have a barbecue with hot dogs and hamburgers, face painting, clowns and games for children at Dr. Powers Park.

The third annual March for Babies, formerly called WalkAmerica, begins and ends at the park at 900 W. Lowell Ave., where breakfast and lunch will be served. Registration begins at 8 a.m., giving teams enough time to arrange themselves and eat before the walk.

Organizers have seen the event increase in size from the initial 100 people who showed up to walk in its first year. They hope to have 300 participants this year.

"We’re hoping to see this event grow in Tracy," said Dena Pimental of the March of Dimes.

The March for Babies is the main fundraiser for the March of Dimes, an organization that supports research and outreach for premature babies. Organizers in Tracy hope to raise $35,000 through Saturday’s event.

At a glance

WHAT: March for Babies

WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday

WHERE: Dr. Powers Park, Lowell Avenue and Tracy Boulevard

INFO: March of Dimes, 522-5626