Run Thru History is Saturday; popular cannon trophies return

Published 12:00 am Monday, February 24, 2003

[2/24/03]Not much has changed about Saturday’s Run Thur History, but organizers did make one significant change that they think will be a popular one.

After two years, the RTH has gone back to cannon trophies after two years of using different style trophies.

“Vicksburg is synonymous with cannons and the military park, and they are very popular,” race director Mack Varner said.

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Two years ago, organizers were forced to switch to a different style after the popular cannons were no longer being made, Varner said. This year, however, Dr. Robert Sadler, who’s responsible for the trophies, found cannons again.

To get a cannon trophy, though, runners and walkers from the state and surrounding area will again tackle one of the most brutal courses the Mississippi Track Club has to offer.

“It never gets any easier,” Varner said of the hill-filled course that challenges even the most skilled athletes.

Hector Ortiz still owns the 10 kilometer race record at 30 minutes, 35 seconds, a mark Varner said will be extremely difficult to beat.

“We had a guy in here last year that said he was going to beat the record,” Varner said. “He was four or five minutes off Hector’s time.”

Pre-registration for the 10K run and 5K walk will continue through Wednesday and costs $18. Late registration is $25. The 1-mile fun run’s registration is $10.

Runners are scheduled to meet at the main arch at the Vicksburg National Military Park at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for the race that loops twice through the park.

Walkers will meet at the visitors’ center at the park for an 8:35 a.m. start time. The walk is one trip through the North loop.

Both races will end at the Battlefield Inn.

Teresa Harmon owns the women’s run record at 38:12, while David Wilbanks and Barbara Duplichain own the men’s and women’s walk records.

“The biggest thing that we are hoping for is good weather,” said Varner, who’s seen the last three RTH’s filled with rain.