Walkathons in more than 1,000 parks nationwide this month will raise money for March of Dimes.

Families of premature babies will march through Dr. Powers Park this morning to support research and education that helps prevent premature and defective births. Some will be marching in memory of a lost infant; others will celebrate the survival of their child.

“We’re trying to get the word out and bring the people of Tracy together for this cause,” said Annie Dingman, WalkAmerica chairwoman for San Joaquin County.

Her son, Colton, was born four months premature and weighed 1 pound, 2 ounces. She credits her son’s health to therapy provided through March of Dimes. He turns 5 years old next month.

“People don’t always understand how precious it is to have a full-term baby,” she said.

A dove release at noon will symbolize that one in every eight babies is born premature.

The march will begin at 9 a.m. today on the corner of Tracy Boulevard and Lowell Avenue. Registration will begin at 8 a.m.

A Stockton March of Dimes walkathon will begin at 9 a.m. May 19 at the Weber Point Event Center, 221 N. Center St.

For information: 888-422-2437 or www.marchofdimes.com.