Lace up your shoes for the eighth annual Mitchell Thorp Foundation 5K Run/Walk on Feb. 4 at Poinsettia Park in Carlsbad.   Each year, more than 1,200 children in San Diego County, are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Mitchell Thorp Foundation (MTF) has been helping these children and families with financial and emotional support. “There are so many hurdles faced by these families and we are honored to be able to help them,” added MTF Co-Founder and Executive Director, Beth Thorp in a statement. In addition to medical bills and emotional strain, statistically, 78% of married couples caring for a terminally ill child end in divorce or separation, often bankrupting them financially, psychically and spiritually. MTF has a 100% success rate in keeping the families they serve together. “We are most proud of that fact,” said Thorp.    This year, the event will be themed around these Warrior Children who fight every day for their lives. “The 5K will feature a chip-timed race for runners and a beautiful park loop for walkers. In addition, a kids’ obstacle course with great prizes, warrior trophy awarded to largest team, music, and food will set the stage for a great day for the entire family. The funds raised from the event will benefit the families in these grave situations. For more information, visit mitchellthorp.org.