Over the River won’t run the river this year|[08/16/07]
Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 16, 2007
Due to construction near the U.S. 80 Bridge, the Over the River Run will miss the Mississippi this year, but its organizers anticipate steady numbers and another good year for the annual charity event.
“We are disappointed that we’re not going to be able to use the bridge, but we are all excited,” said Mandi Hebert, marketing assistant for River Region Medical Center, one of the race’s sponsors. “We think it’s going to be as good or better than years past.”
An alternative route along most of North Frontage Road has been set for the race, which is in its 19th year. It will be Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8 a.m.
The Over the River Run is a family event and is open to all ages, organizers said. The event will also include a one-mile “fun walk” and refreshments, as well as prizes awarded by age group.
The race course traditionally crosses the old bridge into Delta.
“We obviously can’t use it if there’s construction on the bridge,” said Jana Webb, cardiac rehab coordinator at River Region, who planned this year’s event.
Proceeds from registration and sponsorship will go to the United Way. The event raised $5,000 last year, Webb said, with over 600 participants.
“It’s a charity run, and that’s the main reason why we’re having it. It’s good for the city.”
The Over The River Run will begin at the Hampton Inn & Suites at 3330 Clay St. and take Old Highway 27 to North Frontage Road, which it will follow for several miles, across Halls Ferry Road and past River Region West, eventually turning onto Iowa Boulevard and looping back.
The course, a circuit, finishes at the Hampton.
This year’s course will be hillier and a bit more challenging, Webb said, but it will also be shorter than the traditional course.
“It’s a 5k this year,” she said.
Registration will cost $20 before Oct. 1, and $25 after that date. Families can get a group rate of $55 for three to five members.
Registration brochures have not been printed yet, said Hebert. They will be made available in business lobbies around Vicksburg and mailed out to last year’s participants. People soon will be able to register online by visiting River Region’s Web site.