More than 40 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints and connective tissues. Two local organizations are helping to alleviate suffering caused by this common disease by raising money for arthritis research.

The Ames Area Running Club and Alpha Omicron Pi sorority are hosting the 20th annual Run for the Roses race, which raised more than $9,500 last year for arthritis research, on Sunday.

“Arthritis research is Alpha Omicron Pi’s national philanthropy cause,” said Nicole George, senior in community and regional planning and member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Every member of the sorority volunteers for the event. This will be George’s fourth year volunteering for the run.

Festivities include a 5K race beginning at 9 a.m., a 10K race at 10 a.m. and an all-you-can-eat omelet breakfast prepared by Alpha Omicron Pi members. There will also be a non-competitive children’s run.

Participants will receive a long-sleeved event T-shirt as well as a red rose for their completion of the race and registration fee.

Mike Clayton, member of the Ames Area Running Club and co-director of Run for the Roses for the last 10 years, encourages everyone to participate.

“Register to have a good time, get some exercise and raise money for arthritis,” Clayton said.

Clayton attributes his decade of involvement with the event to enjoying a healthy life.

It is satisfying to raise money for a good cause while promoting a healthy lifestyle, he said.

Gina Ambrose, a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, Run for the Roses director and senior in marketing, has personal incentives behind her involvement.

“Arthritis is such a prevalent disease. It is estimated that two out of three people will suffer from some form of it . both of my grandparents have arthritis.” Ambrose said. “We are having a speaker to the house on Saturday whose daughter has juvenile arthritis as well. So besides being Alpha Omicron Pi’s national philanthropy, knowing that it affects so many people is reason for my involvement. Arthritis doesn’t get as much publicity as some of the other diseases, so we hope to raise awareness.”

The registration fee is $20 after Oct. 20 and $25 dollars on the day of the run. Breakfast tickets can be purchased by supporters on the day of the race for $4.

Brittany Lynn Sockness, junior in Spanish, created an event profile for Run for the Roses on Facebook in an attempt to inform students and push participation.

“I am not involved in the sorority or any other organization sponsoring the event. I came across an advertisement for the race in the Daily and decided it would be cool to get some friends of mine to participate with me,” she said. “I am running because I enjoy it and I want to try another 5K. Plus, it’s for a good cause and it seems like it will be a fun time,” Sockness said.

Those interested can register online at www.active.com or pick up registration forms at various campus locations, including the Lied Recreation Athletic Center.