The Muscular Dystrophy Association invites area residents to join in the seventh annual Austin Stride & Ride event on Feb. 6 from 8-10 a.m. at Barton Creek Square Mall.

Presented by IBC Bank, the event is a family friendly event, and anyone can participate. The premise is simple – create a team, raise money for research, then celebrate your team’s success by walking a one-mile “victory lap” inside Barton Creek Square. Team photos will be taken, and refreshments will be served. The event includes fun activities for the kids, such as face painting, mascots and performances by local dance groups.

Stride and Ride brings together many of the families in the Austin area affected by one of the 43 different types of neuromuscular disease and has often been called MDA’s biggest family reunion. It provides an opportunity for participants to specify which MDA research program their fundraising efforts benefit.

Jim Spencer of KXAN Austin News will emcee the walk.