It wasn’t a fit day out for man or beast, but the conditions were just fine for the clowns, Supermen, Batmen, Batgirls and other runners who ignored the rain and took to the streets of downtown Vicksburg for the inaugural Vicksburg Catholic Schools Spooky Sprint 5K and 1-mile fun run.

More than 640 runners and walkers participated in the race, which began at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center and followed a course through the city.

“I was surprised that many people came out to race in the rain,” said race coordinator Ann Roberson, who performed her official duties dressed as Batgirl. Sh said the race was a different approach to raising money for the school.

“In the past, we tried selling greeting cards, pecans, different things,” she said. “We decided to try something different and have something in which the entire community could participate and enjoy.”

“We’ve got a lot signed up,” said Joe Giambrone, the racecourse coordinator, who was dressed as Superman. “The rain will prevent us from getting ‘walkups,’ people who get up in the morning and say, ‘It’s a nice day; let’s go run.’ Now they’ll say, ‘It’s raining. I’m sleeping in.’”

The rain began falling about 7 a.m., and soon rose from a drizzle to a driving rain, forcing some people into the center’s auditorium, while others remained outside, huddling under umbrellas, bunching together under two canopies set up on Crawford Street, or seeking what shelter they could under trees. Others just stood in the open and accepted their soaking.

Eric Mixon and Katherine Bauder, were two of the runners who took shelter inside the auditorium.

“I’m here to run and it just happens to be raining,” said Mixon, who was dressed in the traditional running gear of shorts, T-shirt and running shorts.

“I’m just following him,” Bauden, who was dressed as Batgirl, said.

Outside, Virginia Campbell, who was dressed a pirate, complete with cutlass and boots, was waiting for the event’s walking race to begin.

“I’m here for the booty,” she said.

Lisa Hubbard another walker, was dressed in full costume as a clown. “I guess I’ll get drenched.”

Selena Wood and her children Carrie and Cristan brought their own shelter in the form of two umbrellas. The three were participating in the walk.

“They’re going to get their exercise today,” she said.

“I was very pleased with turnout,” Roberson said. “Everyone looked like they enjoyed themselves and they all stayed and had a real good time.”