A walkathon has been set to start in DeKalb Oct. 3 in hopes of raising $10,000 for United Cerebral Palsy of Blackhawk Region.

The Blackhawk region encompasses 10 northern and central Illinois counties, including DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Walk Coordinator Diane Hammon said the WLBK/WDEK/Coca-Cola Walkathon will begin at DeKalb’s Hopkins Park at 8 a.m. Sponsored walkers will make their way to Sycamore for a complimentary lunch and walk back to Hopkins Park afterwards, she said.

Co-chairing the walkathon are WDEK announcer Dave Bavido and WLBK morning announcer Dick Lafrenz.

Funds raised by the walkathon will be used toward the case coordination/case management program at United Cerebral Palsy. The program provides assistance and visits area clients who have cerebral palsy, said Melissa Gudmunson, case coordinator for DeKalb County.

Gudmunson assists clients in becoming independent and monitors state-supported clients in residential facilities to determine the quality of care they receive.

The agency also offers, in conjunction with Rockford Memorial Hospital, a developmental program for high risk infants, Gudmundson said.

Prizes will be awarded to top money raisers, and local businesses will provide free T-shirts and a complimentary lunch for walkathon participants.

DeKalb schools and businesses, including WLBK/WDEK studios, have brochures and sponsor sheets for the walkathon. In case of rain, the walkathon will be shortened to 10 miles with lunch at Hopkins Park.