It’s no coincidence that the word "pray" is at the center of the third annual Run-Pray-Walk for Vocations.

People can participate in the June 14 event in Omaha by running or walking, but the main purpose is prayer, said Linda Thomsen, administrative assistant in the Office of Vocations, which organizes the event.

"The prayers are what we want," Thomsen said. "They’re really key in this" effort to support vocations.

The only entry fee for the 5-kilometer run and 1.5-mile walk is a pledge for prayers for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. Some participants neither walk nor run, but just pray. When registering online people can pledge to fast, pray rosaries or Divine Mercy chaplets, offer Mass intentions or pray in other ways.

The event begins with an 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Margaret Mary Church celebrated by Father Paul Hoesing, the archdiocese’s vocations director, who also will fire the starter’s gun for the 9:30 a.m. run and walk at St. Margaret Mary School’s parking lot.

The event drew about 200 people in each of its first two years, and this year organizers hope for even more, Thomsen said. Families are encouraged to participate.

Runners and walkers can expect to be joined by seminarians, clergy and consecrated men and women, Thomsen said.

Run-Pray-Walk T-shirts can be purchased for $10 on race day. Sponsors for the event are the Serra Club of Omaha, the Serra Club of West Omaha, Spirit Catholic Radio and Sancta Familia Medical Apostolate in Omaha.

WANT TO GO?

» WHAT: Run-Pray-Walk for Vocations

» WHEN: June 14; 8:30 a.m. Mass, 9:30 a.m. run and walk

» WHERE: St. Margaret Mary Parish, 6116 Dodge St. in Omaha

» COST: No money, but prayers are requested with registration at regonline.com/2014RPWFV or 402-558-3100. T-shirts can be purchased on race day for $10.