An annual tradition, the Bedford Rotary Memorial Road Races return for its 34th year. And on Saturday, May 17, yet another facet is added to the already popular event.

Brian Moyer, who has co-directed the races the last 12 years, said this year welcomes the first Bedford NH Health Fair.

“It’s made to go hand-in-hand with the races,” said Moyer. “We have a lot of local companies and services, and it’s a big family event. Even just coming down and sitting in the bleachers and watching the runners is well worth your time.”

The race concludes at Bedford High School, and those at the school are so excited to take part in the event that they have formed several teams of runners, including squads made up of faculty, sophomores, football players, and track and field athletes, among others, said Moyer.

“This is a big thing for Bedford,” he added. “This is a nationally recognized event, and we generally have runners from all 50 states.”

Originally established as a fundraiser by the Bedford Patent- Teacher Group (PTG), the race was taken over by the Bedford Rotary Club in 1989.

More than three decades later, the event brings roughly 500 racers to town each year, though Moyer said as many as 1,200 runners have competed.

The reason for the fluctuation, said Moyer, depends on whether or not the New England and New Hampshire running clubs include the Bedford Rotary Memorial Road Race as part of their respective Grand Prix.

This year, Moyer said he anticipates 200 to 250 runners for the 12K race and another 300 to 400 in the 5K run.

The 12K race is part of the New Hampshire Grand Prix this year, and the 5K race is open to anyone who wants to participate. “We make the 5K (3.1 mile) run easy enough for everyone to do,” said Moyer. “It’s a relatively flat course.”

Results are tallied based on age and sex. The top four runners, including at least one woman from each team, are scored.

The 12K race starts at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K run goes off at 11 a.m. with the health fair immediately following.

The required donation is $20 for the 5K race and $25 for the 12K run. Entrants receive an event T-shirt. The cost goes up $5 after May 10.

Though some proceeds go to Rotary International and its many world-wide charities, the majority of benefits help fund scholarships at Bedford and Manchester West high schools.

For more information, including parking maps, downloadable course maps, photos of previous years and a printable registration form, visit rotarybedfordnh.com/ brmrr.html. Online registration is also available at active.com.