Fun, awards, energy and the opportunity to see the event coordinator in a chicken suit are among the reasons those who plan to participate in the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure should plan to attend next week’s kickoff.

The event will feature awards for top teams and fundraisers from last year’s event. Coordinator Amie Holman said the awards aren’t given out soon after the event because it would fall during summer vacation.

“We want to get everybody energized for the event coming up,” Holman said.

The Hampton Roads Tour de Cure, a cycling fundraiser, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. It will be the fifth consecutive year in Suffolk after coming to the city in 2012.

Holman said the kickoff event will feature refreshments, door prizes, giveaways, a photo booth and more. Those who are interested in participating also will be able to talk to organizers and other participants to ask questions.

“It’s to get them excited and give them the tools they need,” Holman said. “It gives them a chance to mingle with other riders.”

Challenges among teams sometimes are thrown out at the kickoff, Holman added. Though the ride itself isn’t a race, teams compete to see who can raise the most money.

Speaking of challenges, Holman will be featured in a chicken suit because she promised last year to wear one if 200 people had signed up by a certain date.

Already this year, 464 riders on 57 teams have registered and raised about $38,000 so far.

The ride features route options of 10, 25, 65 and 100 miles, all of which wind through the back roads of Suffolk. It starts at King’s Fork High School, 351 Kings Fork Road, and takes place on April 30.

Fundraising takes place before the event. There is a $25 registration fee and a $200 fundraising minimum.

The kickoff event is set for Feb. 4 at the Town Point Club, 101 W. Main St., Norfolk, from 6 to 8 p.m. RSVPs are required by Monday by emailing Holman at aholman@diabetes.org or calling 424-6662, extension 3276.

For more information about the Tour de Cure, visit www.diabetes.org/hamptonroadsvatour.