The 23rd Run Thru History will have a patriotic theme, good weather and an average crowd, race organizers said.

An average-size crowd of 1,200 and 1,300 people are expected to participate in Saturday’s 10K run, 5K racewalk and 1-mile fun run, said Hays Latham, the RTH’s entries and treasurer chairman.

The number of runners already pre-registered was unavailable this morning.

“I think we’re probably expecting what we had last year,” Latham said. “Last year was the lowest we’ve had in 10 years, but I think that was weather-related.”

About 1,250 people participated in last year’s race. Several days of rain in the week leading up to last year’s RTH may have kept raceday registrations down, he added.

That shouldn’t be a problem this year.

Early forecast is calling for cold, but sunny skies this week, with temperatures in the 50s and a slight chance of showers on Saturday morning perfect weather for running.

“It should be about 50 Saturday morning. The walkers don’t like that, but the runners do,” Latham said with a laugh.

This year’s race through the Vicksburg National Military Park will also honor America.

Race Chairman Mack Varner said the RTH trophies and T-shirts have been redesigned with a patriotic look for 2002.

Varner declined to elaborate on the new trophy design, but said the long sleeve T-shirts given to each race participant will be gray and feature a red, white and blue outline of Mississippi.

“It’s kind of a patriotic look … I’m fired up about it,” Varner said. “It’s a beautiful design.”

Runners can pre-register at Battlefield Inn until Wednesday evening. After that, they’ll have to wait until 5 p.m. Friday for late registration at Battlefield Inn, or Saturday morning at 7 a.m.

Pre-registered runners can pick up their race packets Friday at Battlefield Inn, 5-8 p.m. The race begins Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at the Memorial Arch in the Military Park.