Vicksburg’s running season will officially open Saturday morning.

The 11th annual Chill in the Hills 10K run — which includes a 5K race walk and 1-mile fun run — is set for 8:30 a.m. with the course winding throughout Vicksburg.

Rain is in the forecast for Saturday, but race committee member Anna Sanders said the event will proceed no matter the weather. More than 100 people have pre-registered.
The Chill in the Hills is a fundraiser for Grace Christian Counseling Center. It’s also the first race of 2019 on the Mississippi Track Club’s calendar.

“We’ll run in the rain,” Sanders said. “Whether it rains or shines, Grace (Christian Counseling) still needs their support.”

The fee for the race is $35 for the 10K and 5K. The 1-mile fun run for children 12 and under is free. Raceday registration will be held at Martin’s at Midtown, 1101 Belmont Street, from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, and again from 7 to 8 a.m. on Saturday.

Those who have already registered can pick up their race packets at Martin’s Friday evening.

The race will begin and end at Martin’s at Midtown. The course will head down Drummond Street, make a lap around Vicksburg High’s Memorial Stadium, and then return up Drummond Street to the other end of downtown, through the Glenwood Circle neighborhood and up Chambers Street before doubling back again.

After the race, an awards ceremony and party will be held at Martin’s. The band Slap Happy will play and snacks will be provided by Water View Casino.

Martin’s at Midtown is also selling king cakes, Sanders said. Pre-orders can be picked up Friday night, and a small number of cakes will be available for sale then as well.
Proceeds from the sale of all orders will benefit Grace Christian Counseling, which is a non-profit organization that provides professional counseling service to all people in the community.