The Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community is encouraging local folks to get their annual celebration of the peanut started off early — very early.

The third annual Peanut Fest 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk at Constant’s Wharf, 110 E. Constance Road, will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 5, the same day as the Peanut Fest parade. Registration still is open and can be completed online before Oct. 2.

“People should come out, because it is a family-friendly and free event,” said Karen Brower, nutrition services supervisor for Western Tidewater Health District and also chair of the Suffolk on the Move events. “It’s noncompetitive, so there’s no stress level in terms of how fast you have to go.”

Brower said the event, which is done in partnership with Suffolk Parks and Recreation, is meant to promote physical activity as a fun pastime that helps improve overall health, rather than something that has to be competitive.

“A simple walk like the 5K or the one-mile is an easy event to come out and participate in,” Brower said. “I think people get intimidated when they see (other events are) going to be a timed event. This takes all that away. It makes it a fun event to participate in.”

Even better, registration for the event is free, although participants who are able are asked to bring a canned good to support the Salvation Army food pantry.

“We welcome anyone to join in this fun event and start the Peanut Festival season in an active way,” said Robbie Laughton, executive director of the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community. “Children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends should plan to take part together and do something good for their health. We’ll have high-energy music, prize giveaways, displays from local organizations and lots of fun. You will not want to miss it.”

Registration is going briskly, with 429 people registered as of Monday afternoon, Brower said. However, spots are still open for registration, which can be completed at www.suffolkpartnership.org.

Participants will receive a free gift at check-in and be eligible for door prize drawings at the conclusion of the event. Water, bananas and granola bars are also available to give participants extra fuel for the rest of the day, which includes the Peanut Fest parade and the Suffolk Nansemond Historical Society’s Touch a Truck, Train and More event later in the morning.

Check-in for the event begins at 6:30 a.m., with warm-ups at 7:15 and the start at 7:30.

For more information, visit the website or call 539-1525 or 514-7275.