As the Phoenix Mercury races to the ultimate finish line, a third WNBA Championship, the team invites fans and Valley residents to “Run With Us” into the 2013 WNBA Playoffs by participating in the team’s inaugural “Race to the Playoffs” 5K walk/run on September 14.   The race begins at 7 a.m.

The race will start and end at US Airways Center, the home of the Phoenix Mercury, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Children’s Cancer Network, a local non-profit providing financial, educational and psychosocial support to Arizona’s children and families dealing with childhood cancer.

Participants will run the streets of downtown Phoenix and pass unique city landmarks such as City Hall and the Luhrs Tower, as Scorch, the Phoenix Mercury mascot, members of the Mercury Hip Hop Squad, Suns entertainment teams, and other special guests cheer them on along the way.

Fans can register at www.racetotheplayoffs.com or at any remaining Mercury home game.  Registration costs $35 through midnight on September 11, and $45 from September 11 to September 14. Currently poised for their fourth playoff appearance in the last five years and fifth in the last seven, should the Mercury once again clinch a postseason berth, all race participants will receive a ticket to the team’s first home playoff game the week of the race. Each participant will receive a Mercury drawstring bag, an exclusive “Race to the Playoffs” dry-fit running shirt, and more.

The first 250 participants to register will also receive an autographed Mercury player photograph.  All participants will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets to the Mercury’s first home playoff game at a discounted rate.

After the race, the Phoenix Mercury will host a health and wellness expo filled with activities for the entire family, in the Casino Arizona Pavilion.