FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- The inaugural Greater Cleveland Young Marines Drug Demand Reduction 5K Run/Walk takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday at the nonprofit organization's W. 220th Street Drill Center.

"We're a national youth organization that does a lot of stuff related to drug demand reduction," Greater Cleveland Young Marines Organization Unit Commander Dan Dotson said. "It's kind of like a DARE program, if you will. So with the 5K, we're trying to run drugs out of our community."

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Young Marines facility. The 5K awards include the top overall male/female, top overall male/female masters division and the top three in a various age groups ranging from ages 9 and under to 60 and older. Runners receive a short-sleeve t-shirt and medal. Race day cost is $30 for adults and $25 for kids age 14 and under.

Dotson said a portion of the fundraiser proceeds will go towards Young Marines activities and trips, as well as to the Westshore Young Leaders Network.

The Young Marines promotes mental, moral and physical development of young Americans with activities that emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability and a sense of devotion to God, country, community and family.

"The Young Marines have truly establish themselves in our community," Fairview Park Mayor Eileen Ann Patton said. "They assist us in our community events such as household hazardous waste disposal, shredding day and Summerfest.

"They even participate in our Memorial Day parade. We're very proud and grateful to have these young students giving back to the community."

Currently boasting 60 members, the Young Marines provides a military-like experience for kids ages 8 to 18; however, Dotson said the nonprofit isn't a scared straight organization.

"We have a very structured environment," Dotsun said. "We do adopt a lot of the Marine Corps values in the way we operate things. The kids will go out and will be doing close order drills where they're marching. We also talk about military history.

"So there are a lot of different things that go into it, but it's not just for those individuals that want to try to join the military."