The United Way of West Central Mississippi is preparing to paint the town once again during its second annual 5K True Color Run.

The race is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, and is the official kickoff event to the organization’s campaign year.

As the United Way works to plan the race, one of the main things needed are volunteers to make the event a success. People are needed to pass water to the runners, stand at each intersection, help direct traffic and much more.

“We definitely need lots of volunteers,” said Kami May, director of marketing and community relations. “We had 250 volunteers last year, but we really need to double that this year.”

The event is set to run very similar to last year with the only major change being the course route.

“We had a lot of complaints last year about a lot of the hills that were in last year’s route so we did change that up,” she said, adding now the course is more friendly toward everyone and not just people who are more athletic. “It’s a better route this year.”

The race will start at the Farmers Market lot going south on Washington Street, east on Belmont Street, north on Cherry Street, east on West Pine Street, followed by a north turn on Monroe Street, east on Veto Street, north on Mulberry Street, and will finish up with a west turn on Clay Street, north on Levee Street and end back at the Farmers Market lot on Washington, May said.

There will also be a one-mile fun on Washington Street. After the race an after party will be held on the Farmers Market lot featuring music, food and lots of color.

“We’ve already booked our DJ so he is on board for it,” she said. “They’re really excited. That was one of the highlights we had last year that everybody enjoyed so we’re excited to have that back again.”

Registration is open now, and over a month in advance, a total of 10 people have already committed to take the plunge into the colored powder.

“What’s really cool about it is out of those 10, the majority of them are not even from Vicksburg. We’ve got some people from Tallulah that have signed up, Clinton, also one from Alabama,” May said.

Last year the race saw over 800 participants, and she said while there is no specific goal, every year the United Way is striving to have the race be bigger and better.

The $30 registration fee covers the run, swag bag with a T-shirt and other promotional items and the after party. Children 5 to 12 can run for $15.

The challenge between local schools is back this year where the area school that has the most students sign up for the race will receive a donation to their library. To register for the race, visit unitedwayvicksburg.org or the United Way office at 920 South St.