It’s here.

After months of planning, the first annual Race for Literacy is taking place today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tidewater Community College.

“We’re all very excited about the race, the number of registrants and our volunteers. We’re appreciative too for the gracious support of all our sponsors,” said Jesse J. Lindsey, publisher of the News-Herald and race director.

The event, sponsored by the Suffolk News-Herald benefiting the United Way, is expected to bring in nearly 300 runners for the half-marathon, 5K and 1-mile fun run races.

The route of the race will begin at the community college campus and go throughout the Governor’s Pointe neighborhood before ending back at TCC.

Following the race there will be a runner’s expo as well as race celebration with live music, food and drinks.

“The event was planned to be a family-oriented event. The goal was to provide a venue for the runner and their family. We expect everyone to have a great time today and hope that people will put it on their calendar for next year,” said Lindsey.

All of the proceeds from today’s event will go directly to the United Way for the Raising a Reader program. The program is a “take-home” book bag program that gives books to families in order to encourage reading as a pastime.

According to research from the United Way, 32 percent of adults in the city of Suffolk are functionally illiterate. The state average is almost half that amount, with a 19 percent rate of illiteracy among adults.

“The money raised stays right here in Suffolk and can really make an impact toward the fight against illiteracy,” said Lindsey.

Runners can register on site at TCC beginning at 7 a.m. to participate in the Race for Literacy, and families are encouraged to come out and have a good time.