The upcoming Over the River Run and a tri-state cycling event that will end in Vicksburg will receive financial support approved by the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors Thursday.

The Over the River Run, which will be Oct. 10, will receive $1,500 from the VCVB, while the Mississippi River Trail Tour Da’ Delta will get $1,250.

The Over the River Run event is second in size only to the Run Thru History locally. The 20-year event’s future fell into jeopardy of being scrapped this year after River Region Health System ended its longtime sponsorship this month.

The Southern Cultural Heritage Center last week stepped up to organize the 5-mile run and racewalk over the old U.S. 80 Mississippi River Bridge. Last year, 411 runners and walkers participated, and 356 participated in 2007. SCHF Executive Director Annette Kirklin, who also sits on the VCVB board, recused herself from the vote.

Spring 2010 dates are being finalized for the MRT Tour Da’ Delta, a first-of-its-kind event, said Bill Seratt, VCVB executive director. The MRT is a 3,000-mile system of bicycle-friendly roads and multiuse pathways running the length of the Mississippi River, from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.

The Tour Da’ Delta cyclists will begin in Memphis and ride on the Arkansas side of the river to Helena, where they’ll cross over into Mississippi and ride the trail to the Vicksburg National Military Park, said Seratt. He estimated the riders will spend about two days and nights in Vicksburg.

“They’re expecting 200 to 300 participants. It’s the biggest event that has happened on the Mississippi portion of the MRT,” said Seratt. “The money we’re donating will go toward hiring a management firm that will assist the riders on the trip.”

The VCVB donation to the Tour Da’ Delta event is being matched by a $1,250 contribution each from Coahoma, Bolivar and Washington counties, said Seratt. The City of Helena-West Helena is contributing $5,000, he added.

The VCVB is a city-county agency with 11 appointed volunteer board members who guide tourism development using revenue generated by a 1-cent sales tax added to room rental, restaurant and bar bills.

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Contact Steve Sanoski at ssanoski@vicksburgpost.com