Runners in this year's Times Colonist 10K can develop more than their own healthy lifestyle, they can also help develop a more healthy community.

The TC10K announced Monday the list of partnering charities in this year's event has expanded from two groups to five.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation and the literacyboosting Raise-a-Reader program will be joined this year by the B.C. Cancer Foundation, Every Step Counts, which assists people deal with mental-health challenges, and Help Fill a Dream.

Times Colonist 10K race director Jacqui Sanderson said the annual race is designed with the intention of promoting a healthy lifestyle. But many participants appreciate the chance to help others in the process.

"We'll all benefit," Sanderson said Monday. "From the participants who just want to be there to those participants who want to raise funds, it all contributes to our goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

The 23rd annual Times Colonist 10K is on April 29. With last year's event, including the Thrifty Foods 1.5-kilometre Family Run, drawing more than 13,000 entrants, the TC 10K, is now acknowledged as the second-largest 10-kilometre race in Canada after the Vancouver Sun Run.

Entrants vary from those who enjoy walking the route - fully half of all entrants - to the modest joggers to the elite athletes such as two-time Olympic medallist Simon Whitfield of Victoria, who lost last year by only 16 seconds to Kenyan runner Willy Kimosop.

For more information on the TC 10K and to register, go to www.tc10k.ca.

To learn more about the partnering charities, go to www.tc10k.ca/charities.

rwatts@timescolonist.com.