About 500 people had registered for Saturday’s 36th annual 300 Oaks Road Race as of Wednesday, said Beth Stevens, executive director of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re actually a little bit ahead of where we were last year at this time,” she said. “That’s a positive note.”
The chamber organizes the event, which features a 10K run, a 5K run, a 5K walk and, new for this year, a 1-mile “Color Me Greenwood” Fun Run.
Stevens said another 50 to 100 runners and walkers will likely register today. Online registration ends tonight at midnight.
Participants may register at www.300oaks.com.
Registration fees are $25 for the 1-mile Fun Run, $30 for the 5K run, $35 for the 10K run, $25 for 5K walk team members and $30 for 10K run team members.
Team members must pre-register by midnight tonight.
Beginning Friday, the fees will be $30 for the 1-Mile Fun Run, $35 for the 5K run and 5K walk and $45 for the 10K run.
Race packets may be picked up from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hampton Inn. Light refreshments will be served.
Packet pickup on the day of the race will be at the conter of corner of Grand Boulevard and West President Avenue.
Race day registrations will be accepted until 7:45 a.m.
Swayze Hicks, chair of the chamber’s 300 Oaks Committee, said planning for the race started a few months ago, after the Viking Half Marathon.
“Usually the locals wait for the last minute to sign up,” Hicks said.
Stevens said although there is a slight chance of showers Saturday, the race will be run regardless.
The water stations that will line the route are all staffed by volunteers.
They include:
• The Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 71, at the corner of Wagner Street and West President Avenue.
• Greenwood Utilities at the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Claiborne Avenue.
• American Legion Post 29, at the corner of Parsons Avenue and Randolph Street.
• Junior Auxiliary Crown Club, at the corner of Hemingway Street and Puckett Avenue.
• Girl Scouts at the corner of Grand Boulevard and Rosemary Lane.
• Mississippi Valley State University students at the finish line.
Stevens said the annual event is made possible by its sponsors.
“None of these events would be possible without the support of our sponsors. We have such a generous community,” she said.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
