To be a swift, confident runner, you must have proper footwear.

That belief is at the heart of the upcoming Harvest Run, a race to benefit Running Shoes 4kiDs, a nonprofit that works to provide athletic shoes for kids who might not otherwise be able to afford running gear.

“Running in improper gear can decrease self esteem and cause life-long injuries,” said Running Shoes 4kiDs organizer Colene Hotmer. “The kiddos running today will be our future high school, college and even maybe Olympic athletes.”

The run will take place Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Hayden Canyon, off Government Way north of Lancaster Avenue. The entry fee is $10 or a donation of new or slightly used athletic shoes. It will feature four race heats and end with an awards ceremony with medals, ribbons and prizes for runners. There is a quarter-mile run for 4- to 6-year-olds; a half-mile heat for 7- to 10-year-olds; a 1-mile run for kids 8-14 and a 1-mile race for citizens of all ages.

“Coach Colene” Hotmer began working to properly outfit young runners several years ago, after working as a parent volunteer at Athol Elementary School where she organized a popular after-school cross-country program.

She noticed many children running in improper footwear. She said she witnessed runners wearing flats, cowboy boots and other shoes not conducive to running.

Running Shoes 4kiDs asks families with children in need of athletic shoes to send in their requests for shoes. Those interested can contact the organization by email at runningshoes4kids@yahoo.com. Include the name of the person needing the shoes, type of shoes needed, gender, shoe size and explain how the child would benefit from the new shoes.

“The runners who are the recipients of the new athletic shoes seem to almost light up with excitement and hope upon receiving them,” Hotmer said. “I see their self esteem and confidence rise...They seem to believe in their ability a little bit more.”

Registration is still open for Saturday’s race. For information or to register, visit www.runningshoes4kids.webs.com.

Jamie Sedlmayer can be reached at jsedlmayer@cdapress.com