On May 20, King County Parks will hold the third annual Big Backyard 5K at Marymoor Park, at 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy N.E. near Redmond.

The family-oriented event will be presented by Group Health and feature a kids’ dash and a live concert with Caspar Babypants.

Benefitting King County Parks, the Big Backyard 5K starts at 9 a.m. and takes participants through Marymoor Park at the northern end of Lake Sammamish. The course is flat and participants are encouraged to bring their leashed dogs and strollers with them. The 5K runs through Marymoor Park along the Marymoor Connector Trail and the adjacent East Lake Sammamish Trail.

For $25, entrants will receive an event t-shirt, food, drinks and more on race day. Registration for the run can be done online at www.bby5k.com.

A free kids’ dash follows the fun run at 10 a.m., and then Caspar Babypants will give a free live concert at 10:30 a.m.

“With 26,000 acres of parks and 175 miles of regional trails, King County Parks offers a wide range of recreational opportunities that promote exercise and healthy activities,” said King County Parks Director Kevin Brown. “The Big Backyard 5K is a great activity for the whole family.”

The Big Backyard 5K promotes fitness and community involvement, and has raised nearly $75,000 for King County Parks in the past two years. Funds help leverage King County taxpayers’ investment in parks, trails and open space by keeping these features open and safe for all to enjoy.

Group Health community relations manager Damien King added, “Group Health is pleased to sponsor the King County Big Backyard 5K for the third year in a row. This event supports an active lifestyle and encourages the community to participate in their own health.”

The 2012 fun run is also sponsored by ParentMap.