Hundreds of people will race from Vicksburg to Louisiana and back on Saturday morning in a rare opportunity to travel over the Mississippi River on foot.

The 28th annual Over the River Run, which includes a 5-mile run, 5-mile walk and 1-mile fun run for children, will be held Saturday at 8 a.m. and is organized by the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation. The race welcomes competitive racers and those who are just out to enjoy morning exercise with a view.

“I’d say this is a nice mix. You’re going to definitely have your competitive racers in there, runners and walkers. But there is probably a good many people who just enjoy the beautiful scenery and just being able to go across the bridge,” SCHF executive director Stacey Massey said.

Last year the starting point of the race was modified to be closer to the bridge than the parking lot of the Mississippi Welcome Center, and Massey said organizers have decided to stick with the location. The race route isn’t changing either.

“It’ll be the same as it was last year,” Massey said. “Same route. Really pretty much everything is the same.”

As of this morning, about 450 people had signed up for the race, and Massey was anticipating over 800 participants total — putting it on par with the past couple of years.

“The bulk of our registrations usually come in the week of,” Massey said. “We’re hoping that will be the same and they’ll roll in.”

Registration Tuesday through Thursday is $30 for individual adults and $20 for children 10 and under. Friday and Saturday the prices will go up to $35 for adults and $25 for children. Raceday registration will be available Saturday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. in the Welcome Center parking lot.

Proceeds from the race go to the SCHF for ongoing maintenance on the five historic buildings at its campus.

The first 500 people to register will receive a goodie bag and a T-shirt that can be picked up at the Southern Cultural Heritage Auditorium, on the corner of Crawford and Cherry streets, Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the race site.

“People can come and register late if they haven’t registered, and it’s also packet pick-up,” Massey said.

Volunteers will be welcome to assist in multiple areas of the race.

“We will need volunteers to help pack the bags, and then we will need volunteers the day of the race. Some working out on the bridge for water stops and some working the after party,” Massey said.

After the race, a party will be held at the Ameristar Delta Point parking lot with music from the band Slaphappy, food and fun for the family including inflatables for children. An awards ceremony will also be held at the party with prizes for the top three finishers in each classification including overall, masters, grandmasters and senior masters.

To volunteer or register, call 601-631-2997, email info@southernculture.org or visit southernculture.org/events/otrr.htm, raceroster.com, the SCHF at 1302 Adams St., HealthSource Chiropractic or Hobie’s Outdoor Sports.

28TH ANNUAL OVER THE RIVER RUN
• Saturday, 8 a.m., at Old Mississippi River Bridge
• Registration is $30 for the 5-mile run and 5-mile race walk, or $20 for the children’s 1-mile fun run. After Friday, the prices are $35 and $25. Online registration is available at raceroster.com/events/2016/9514/28th-over-the-river-run-2016. Registration is also at the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, at 1302 Adams Street.
• Raceday registration will be open from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Saturday in the Mississippi Welcome Center parking lot on Washington Street