The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 8k is going digital this Saturday.

For the first time, the race will implement chip timing, where a microchip worn by the runners starts and ends when crossing a starting mat.

Taylor Bliese, who helps organizes the race with Overby Orthodontics, said chip timing is rare and exciting for a small-town race.

The 8k has been held at the Hormel Nature Center since 2004, when avid runner Dr. Eric Overby started the race as a community event and as a way to give runners an alternative to the many 5ks in the area.

“There’s a lot of 5ks around, so it’s nice to have a little bit of an option,” Bliese said.

Registration for Saturday’s race stars at 7:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. race. There will also be a one-mile fun run/walk. Registration cost is $15 for the 8k and $5 for the one-mile race.

Bliese said organizers are hoping for many people to register the day of, and they’re aiming for about 100 racers.