By Staff
READY, SET, RUN – Participants in the 2002 Meridian Moonlight Run begin their 5K Run. File Photo
By Ashley McPhearson / staff writer
Aug. 8, 2003
The second annual "Meridian Moonlight Run," an idea originally based on similar events held in other states, takes place today at Northeast Park.
The run, sponsored by the Meridian Parks and Recreation Department, attempts to draw families as well as serious runners.
Runners will begin the night with registration at 9 p.m. and start the race at 10 p.m. Participants will have the choice of a 5K run, a two-mile walk, and a one-mile fun run for kids up to 12 years old.
Runners will be divided according to age. There will be six male and five female age divisions for the 5K run and four divisions for both male and female in the two mile walk. Awards will go to the overall winners and two first, second and third place winners for each age division.
The first 185 participants will receive a t-shirt, and all will have water, Gatorade, Pepsi products, Little Ceasars pizza, and fruit available to them.
The cost for signing up today is $15 for the 5K run and the two mile run, and $10 for the kids' fun run. The money collected from entrants is used by the city of Meridian. Quince said that in the future, they hope to fund the money to a charity.
Participants are expected from as far away as Hattiesburg and Columbus. Coaches from West Lauderdale High School and Northeast Lauderdale High School said they would have runners from their schools entered in the run as a sort of warm-up race. Serious and not so serious runners alike are invited to share in the unique event.
Want to go?
What: The Second Annual Meridian Moonlight Run
Sponsor: Meridian Parks and Recreation Department
When: Today at 9 p.m.
Where: Northeast Park
Fee: $15 for 5K run and two mile run entrants, and $10 for the kids' fun run
Call: Mary Quince at 485-1805; Mark Naylor at 986-2612 or 485-1895.