In an effort to give back to the community, LexisNexis is hosting the 13th annual Windward Challenge 5k Charity Run/Walk Sept. 19 to raise money for KaBoom!, a nonprofit dedicated to building playgrounds for children.

“Community involvement is one of the pillars of our culture,” said Don Welsko, senior vice president of human resources at LexisNexis. “We just think it’s important to give back to the community.”

Over the past 12 years LexisNexis has raised more than $900,000 for various charities through the Windward Challenge.

This is the second year the race has benefited KaBoom!, and the nonprofit’s communications manager Mike Vietti said last year they were able to build a playground a The Salvation Army Bellwood Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta.

“The project last year was a resounding success,” Vietti said. “It wouldn’t be possible to build the great playground without LexisNexis.”

The race also includes the Windward Challenge Corporate Cup, a new feature LexisNexis added last year to get more local businesses and corporations involved.

“The idea was to create some healthy competition in the greater north Fulton area and we had 40 or 50 teams participate last year,” Welsko said.

The Corporate Cup is open to teams of at least five employees from corporations, businesses and financial institutions, and Jackson Healthcare won the inaugural cup last year.

Welsko said LexisNexis associates enjoy working the race and the event has grown to include families, entertainment, snacks and refreshments.

“People just love to do it,” he said. “It is quite the scene entertainment-wise.”

The race will take place Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. and will start at LexisNexis’s building at 1000 Alderman Drive in Alpharetta. Last year the race had 500 participants and Welsko said they’re hoping to break the 600 mark this year.

Early registration is $25 for the timed 5k and $20 for the untimed 5k. Race day registration is $30 for the timed race and $25 for the untimed race.

Awards will be handed out after the race by age categories.

Information:lexisnexis.com/risk/windwardchallenge /index.html.