AUBURN — Registration for the fifth annual Greater L-A Triple Crown 5K Series presented by Maine Orthopaedic Foundation will begin Saturday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. Online registration and downloadable print forms will be available through the event website, www.triplecrown5k.com. Forms will also be available at the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA, 62 Turner St.

The community fundraising series consists of three 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) races and is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Triple Crown registration is $55 and covers all three races. The deadline for Triple Crown registration is June 9, when the price will increase to $65. Individual 5K registration is $20, increasing to $25 on race day. Each event is capped at 800 participants and incentive items are available for the first 300 registrants of each race.

The series opens with the YMCA Fit Fest on Saturday, June 9 at Festival Plaza in Auburn; followed by Emily’s Run on Sunday, July 22 at Edward Little High School and the L-A Bridge Run on Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Rollodrome in Auburn. Each course is USA Track & Field certified.

Each 5K will begin at 9 a.m. and feature chip-timing, prize drawings, food, refreshments, music and awards to the top male and female finishers and the top three finishers in nine age categories. Special awards will be presented to the top three male and female Triple Crown finishers at the conclusion of the series.

The Triple Crown surpassed registration records in each event last year for a combined 1,933 registrants. The series encourages first-time participants and can provide information on various training programs including Couch-to-5K and ME First.

The series’ eco-friendly initiatives include reduced paper consumption via online registration and communication; recycled safety pins, plastic bottles, food boxes, food compost and paper water cups. Large cardboard boxes are also donated for preschool projects. Participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and safety pins.

The Auburn Firefighters Local 797 Kids’ Fun Run will precede each 5K at 8:15 a.m. The fun run is free to all youngsters and registrations will be accepted on the day of the event.

Funds raised will benefit community programs including programs offered by the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA; the Fletcher Foundation, which provides ELHS student athletes with $1,000 college scholarships along with a donation to the Auburn Public Library; and The Bridge Run Foundation, which presents local teenagers with scholarships for outdoor activities.

For more information including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.triplecrown5k.com.