With Saturday’s forecast calling for clear skies with temperatures in the low 70s, the third annual Viking Half Marathon and 5K Run is expected to attract a good number of participants.
As of this morning, 402 had signed up, said Jaime Wilbanks, chairman of the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce Race Committee. A majority of those were entering the Half Marathon.
Online registration at www.vikinghalfmarathon.com ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight. On Friday, registration is $60 for the Half Marathon and $25 for the 5K Run. Fees will be $70 for the Half Marathon and $35 for the 5K Run on Saturday.
Beth Stevens, executive director of the chamber, said she expected a lot of people to sign up at the last minute. Many out-of-town visitors come on Friday and spend the night, she said.
Registration and packet pickup will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday at The Alluvian. Light refreshments will also be provided from 4 to 8 p.m. at the hotel.
Each participant will receive a Shop Greenwood certificate good at participating retailers.
The Half Marathon will start at 8 a.m. Saturday on West Market Street in front of the Leflore County Courthouse. The 5K Run will start at 8:30 a.m.
Wilbanks, who is completing her second year as chairman of the Race Committee, said she hoped more people would sign up before Saturday. She said participation is harder to predict considering that other cities are holding similar events the same day.
The post-race celebration will be held on Front Street in front of Viking Range Corp.’s corporate headquarters.
Wilbanks said the Half Marathon is a family-friendly event.
“We’re excited about it. Everyone who comes out should have a good time,” she said.
For more information, call the chamber at 453-4152.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
