The women-only July 29 Fleet Feet Sports Women's 5K, 10K and Festival will benefit Catch Your Breath, a women and lung health initiative of the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago (ALAMC). The initiative aims to make a difference in the startling rise of lung disease in women.

"We're delighted to further grow our partnership with Fleet Feet Sports and be the official charity of the Fleet Feet Woman's Race," said Gina Schwieger, the director of special events for ALAMC. "Funds raised from this event race will go far in helping us reduce the high rate of lung disease among women."

One in 17 women will develop lung cancer in her lifetime, 20 percent of whom are non-smokers. In fact, in the past 30 years, the incidence of lung cancer among women has risen 143 percent - as more women die each year from lung cancer than breast cancer.

"We at Fleet Feet Sports are very excited to be teaming up with Catch Your Breath," said Samantha Morales, marketing coordinator of Fleet Feet Sports. "We all take our ability to breathe for granted. Catch Your Breath reminds us that millions of women can't take that ability for granted. If we are able to help just one woman with the money we raise, our partnership will be a success."

Not only will a portion of the proceeds benefit Catch Your Breath, but participants will have the opportunity to make an additional donation to the charity when they register for the race. On race day, the ALAMC will raise funds at the event by selling Catch Your Breath pins and apparel.

The Fleet Feet Sports Women's 5K, 10K & Festival, which is in it's eighth year, begins and ends at Chicago's Montrose Harbor. The race has seen an annual increase in participation, resulting in a cap of 3,400 women this year.

Participants are encouraged to make this a family event. The Nike Go co-ed kids races are open to children aged 2 to 14. The kids' races range in distance from 20 yards to a half-mile (based on age) and are open to the first 200 children who register. There will also be special activities geared toward children on race day.

The post-race festival includes food, music and massages. Awards are presented to the top three women in both the 5K and 10K, the top three women in each age group in those races, and the top three mother/ daughter and sister teams in each race.

The Fleet Feet Sports Women's 5K, 10K & Festival begins at 7:30 a.m. July 29 at Montrose Harbor. Race registration $30 before July 29, $35 on race day (if available). Team race registration $60 before July 29, $70 on race day (if available). Nike GO Kids Race registration fee $10.

Register online at www.FleetFeetChicago.com