With the event just over a week away, the United Way of West Central Mississippi is in need of one very important piece of the puzzle to make sure the True Color Run goes off without a hitch — volunteers.

The United Way needs between 20 and 30 additional volunteers who are willing to work as route volunteers throughout the race and man the various intersections.

“In order to be a route volunteer, you do need to be an adult or an older teenager,” United Way executive director Michelle Connelly said. “You will be responsible for making sure everyone along the route is safe, that they are taking the right turns, that they are staying on the route and if they need any minor medical attention we have someone along the route that can do that.” Those interested in being in being volunteers can sign up at unitedwayvicksburg.org/true-color-run-volunteer-opportunities.

The True Color run is Saturday, Sept. 23, but those interested in volunteering must attend a meeting Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the United Way office, 920 South Street, at 5:15 p.m. to learn their exact assignment and responsibilities.

“These are the people that make sure everybody is enjoying the race along the route and doing it in a healthy and safe way,” Connelly said. “We have about 20 signed up and we need about 50. We have enough to cover the major intersections, so we are not in major panic mode, but with the minor intersections that are along the route we need about 20 more.”

The run will start at 8 a.m. in the BankCorpSouth parking lot on South Street, a different location from last year. The run will end in the same location and a block party will held to mark the official beginning of the United Way’s annual campaign.

“We need people to register,” Connelly said. “We need people to just come out and have a great time. We want it to be a wonderful day for the community. The weather I believe will be awesome.”

The early registration period closed Aug. 1 and the registration fee is now $30 for participants over the age of 13. There will also be a one-mile fun run for those 12 and under. The registration for the fun run is $15. Registration for the race can be completed online at unitedwayvicksburg.org/run.