As of this morning, 543 racers were registered for Saturday’s first Viking Half Marathon and 5K.
“This has far exceeded our expectations,” said Beth Stevens, executive director of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce. “We know that after the first year, this thing will only get bigger.”
Race organizers have set a new goal to reach 550 participants, according to the Viking Half Marathon and 5K Facebook page.
The races will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday. Online registration for either race is available until 11:59 tonight.
Although mail-in registration is closed, racers may still enter at www.vikinghalfmarathon.com. They also may register for one of the events from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. Saturday at The Alluvian.
Both races will begin on East Market Street in front of the Leflore County Courthouse and proceed east towards Lamar Street.
The half marathon covers 13.1 miles. The 5K is 3.1 miles.
Stevens said the roadwork taking place on Strong Avenue “will not affect the quality of the road, nor will it affect the runners in any way.”
Racers who register for one of the races prior to race day may pick up race packets from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday at The Alluvian.
For more information on the Viking Half Marathon and 5K, visit www.vikinghalfmarathon.com.
• Contact Beth Thomas at 581-7233 or bthomas@gwcommonwealth.com.
