By GAYLE WEBER

gweber@dailynews.net

An early registration deadline is approaching for a 5K walk/run that will benefit local Girl Scouts.

The Thin Mint Sprint will be Dec. 5, and early registration is due by Dec. 1. This is the first year for the 5K, which will help fund programs through the Hays office of Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland, which encompasses 16 northwest Kansas counties.

"We're having to do some different types of fundraising due to the economy," said Ellen Rochau, community development manager for Girl Scouts.

One of the programs that will be funded by the 5K's proceeds is RESPECT on Jan. 30 and 31. Rochau said the program will teach Girl Scouts about forming positive relationships. Guest speakers include Christie Brungardt, who lost her daughter to domestic violence in 2008, and a local police officer who will teach self-defense tactics. Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Hays, also has been invited to speak.

Topics include online relationships, social networking, cyber-stalking and sexting.

Fundraisers such as the Thin Mint Sprint also allow the Girl Scouts to recruit and provide training for volunteers.

The Thin Mint Sprint, which along with the 5K also will feature a 1-mile fun run, will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5 outside Gross Memorial Coliseum at Fort Hays State University. Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. that day at gate 2 inside the coliseum.

Early registration is $15 and can be completed in the local Girl Scouts office, 2707 Vine, Suite 8, or online at www.kansasgirlscouts.org. After Dec. 1, registration is $20.

Rochau said there also is a sleep-in option for $20.

"If they know they're going to be out of town that day or something, they can still support the event," she said.

Rochau expects some local Girl Scouts to be helping with the event.

"I'm hoping that most of them will be participating in it," she said.