The 27th annual Run Thru History will be similar to most of the rest – a grueling, hilly course, trophies with cannons and beautiful scenery.

But when runners and walkers tackle the Vicksburg National Military Park on Saturday, each runner and walker will have already done their part to keep the park pristine.

For the first time in the history of the race, $2 of each entrance fee will be given to the park to assist with restorations and maintenance.

&#8220It’s a way to give back,” said Mack Varner, race director for 19 of the Run’s 27 years.

A 10 kilometer run, 5K walk and 1 mile fun run are scheduled to begin at 8 Saturday morning.

Participants in the walk and run will be treated to a run through the hills and valleys of the military park. The race will begin at the Memorial Arch at the park’s entrance and end at the Battlefield Inn.

Mailed entries have to be postmarked by today and pre-registration ends on Wednesday. Entry fee is $22 if registered by Wednesday and $27 for late registration.

On Friday, racers will be able to pick up packets of race information and promotionals, between 5 and 8 p.m. at the Battlefield Inn.

Racers also can pick up their packets on raceday at the Inn.

Varner said he expects around 1,000 combined runners and walkers, about the same as last year. Overall, he said, numbers for mini-marathons such as the RTH are down.

&#8220People are moving to full marathons,” he said.

In 1981, Hector Ortiz set the course record in the 10K run wth a time of 30 minutes and 35 seconds.

The record has stood for 24 years and likely will stand for much longer. A few have come within two minutes. Damon Martin in 1984 finished at 30:53, the closest anyone has come to beating Ortiz.

Teresa Harmon holds the women’s run record, while David Wilbanks holds the men’s 5K walk record and Barbara Duplichain holds the women’s record.