March’s fickle winds often bring ill will to Mississippi. They usually smile, however, on the Run Thru History.

Vicksburg’s annual spring running event in the Vicksburg Military Park has skirted raindrops several times over the years — including last March. It hasn’t rained during the race since 1998, and the streak seems poised to continue this year.

Rain is forecast for Friday, but should clear out in time for the 10-kilometer run, 5K race walk and 1-mile fun run Saturday morning. The sunny outlook is expected to boost attendance as the Run Thru History celebrates its 33rd anniversary. As of today, 619 runners and walkers have pre-registered for the race, and as many as 200 could sign up Saturday, race director Casey Custer said.

“It’ll help a lot,” Custer said. “There’s a large group of people that wake up and are going to run or walk depending on what the weather is going to do.”

The participants in this year’s race will see one major tweak to the course. Runners and walkers, who begin the race five minutes apart at the Military Park’s Memorial Arch, will cross the same finish line at the foot of Battlefield Inn’s driveway on the I-20 Frontage Road.

Previously, the walkers’ finish line was located about 100 yards earlier. Runners had to veer into the road to stay out of the walkers’ finish chute, which created some safety concerns, Custer said.

“The main reason for the change is the safety issue,” Custer said. “With the walkers having their own chute, runners were having to go into their own lane of traffic and were going into the road.”

Other than the course change, Custer said the race will be business as usual.

Run Thru History

What: 10-kilometer run, 5K race walk and 1-mile fun run

When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m.

Where: Vicksburg Military Park

Cost: $30 for the 10K run and 5K race walk, $12 for the 1-mile fun run

Registration: Runners and walkers can pick up their race packets, or register Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Battlefield Inn. Raceday registration is available from 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday at Battlefield Inn.

Information: Visit runthruhistory.org, call 601-638-1071, or e-mail race director Casey Custer at caseycuster@vicksburgymca.com