One of Vicksburg’s favorite institutions is celebrating another milestone.

The Run Thru History, the 10-kilometer run and 5-kilometer race walk that winds through the Vicksburg National Military Park, will begin for the 35th time Saturday morning at 8:30 with a cannon shot and the steady drumbeat of running shoes upon the ground.

It’s an annual tradition that serves to herald the arrival of spring in Vicksburg and brings together families, friends and strangers alike.

“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve heard that say the Run Thru History is the one time a year they get back together with friends and family,” race director Casey Custer said. “It’s much bigger than a race to a lot of people.”

Whether they’re reconnecting with friends or trying to win one of the race’s signature cannon trophies, the RTH appeals to a wide cross section of people. Nearly 800 people registered for last year’s race and 741 crossed the finish line.

Custer said this year’s registration numbers were on pace with last year’s, with about 600 runners and walkers signed up already. A favorable forecast for Saturday could push that number even higher for a race that typically does its best business in anniversary years like this one.

“We’re trending ahead of last year,” Custer said. “The weather forecast doesn’t look awful. That means a lot. It can mean plus or minus 200 people.”

Registration will remain open until 8 a.m. Saturday at various places around Vicksburg. Today, registration is open at the Purks YMCA. That will shift to Battlefield Inn Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 7 to 8 a.m. The registration fee is $30 for the 10K and 5K, and $12 for the children’s 1-mile fun run.

Those who have pre-registered can pick up their race packets Friday at Battlefield Inn from 5 to 8 p.m. Custer encouraged everyone who has pre-registered to pick up their packets then, and ease the last-minute crush on workers who are scrambling to take late sign-ups.

“It can mean the difference between somebody being registered and not being able to participate,” Custer said. “It makes things run a lot smoother on Saturday.”

The defending winners in the 10K are William Kazery on the men’s side, and Keri White Frazier on the women’s. Kazery has won three straight RTH men’s titles.

Run Thru History registration

The 35th annual Run Thru History 10K run and 5K race walk is scheduled for Saturday in the Vicksburg National Military Park. The entry fee for the race is $30 for the run and walk, and $12 for the children’s 1-mile fun run. Online registration is available at runthruhistory.org. Late registration and packet pick-up for pre-registered runners and walkers will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, and 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday at Battlefield Inn. For more information, visit runthruhistory.org or call the Vicksburg YMCA at 601-638-1071.