REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR HBURG ½ MARATHON · 10K · 5K BENEFITS 13 PINEBELT NONPROFITS
HATTIESBURG (AUG. 27, 2021) — The 10th annual Hattiesburg Half Marathon • 10k • 5k is set for Saturday, April 2, 2022. The race provides fundraising opportunities for participating Pinebelt nonprofits, while also attracting runners to the Hub City from numerous states. Online registration is officially open for all three race routes.
Voted Mississippi’s Best Half Marathon by Race Raves in 2019, the event continues to be a premiere run through the city, showcasing Hattiesburg’s attractions and points of interest along the routes. The 2021 race welcomed more than 1,400 participants from 26 states and two countries to Hattiesburg, while raising $38,600 for local nonprofits.
Each local nonprofit benefiting from the race in 2022 will “own” a mile by decorating it and cheering on runners as they pass through. Nonprofits are selected through a competitive application program.
Participating nonprofits for the 2022 race include:
- ARC of Southeast Mississippi
- Children’s Center for Communication and Development
- Christian Services
- Domestic Abuse Family Shelter
- DREAM of Hattiesburg
- The DuBard School for Language Disorders
- The Family YMCA of Southeast Mississippi
- Habitat for Humanity of the Pinebelt
- Kuntry Kidz Youth Foundation
- Laughs 4 Life
- R3SM (Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi)
- Sacred Heart Catholic School
- Southern Pines Animal Shelter
In addition to a portion of registration fees going to the charities, these nonprofits are recruiting runners to fundraise on their behalf. Those interested in participating as a charity runner can easily select their preferred charity during registration and begin promoting their personal fundraising goal to donate to the agency of their choice.
"Becoming a charity runner for the Hattiesburg race is a unique opportunity for local community members and the general public to support, in multiple ways, a nonprofit of their choice that they feel passionate about. The time and fundraising efforts you're committing to as a charity runner will help advance the mission of your chosen nonprofit. That's one of the wonderful things about this event - the chance to use the race as a platform to boost awareness and funds for the cause you care about, said Tracie Fowler, President/CEO of United Way of Southeast Mississippi. "We are proud to see continued support for the race by volunteers and local businesses because it demonstrates the spirit of Hattiesburg and how we value our community.
For the 2022 race, there are special giveaways leading up the event for charity runners as they compete to raise the most funds for their selected nonprofits.
“COVID-19 impacted indoor events and large gatherings with capacity limitations, but we are seeing success nationally with outdoor events that can provide adequate social distancing, like the Hattiesburg Half Marathon. Last year’s event with updated safety measures in place was still the first-class experience that runners have come to expect in Hattiesburg,” Marlo Dorsey, VisitHATTIESBURG executive director, said. “We are excited for another opportunity to host visitors in safe, responsible ways to showcase our destination.”
Nearly half of the runners in this sold-out event traveled from outside a 50-mile radius over the last three years. For these out-of-towners, the course highlights iconic local landmarks and engages Hattiesburg businesses. The 2022 course will once again wind through downtown, head toward the Avenues, and loop around the Hattiesburg Zoo. A portion of the route also tours The University of Southern Mississippi’s campus, where runners then blaze down the Longleaf Trace to the finish line.
Categories for all age ranges are available, including children under 12. However, the top female and top male awards will be given to the overall finishers for the half marathon route.
Forrest General Hospital is returning as the title sponsor for the 2022 race. Additionally, Hancock Whitney Bank is the presenting sponsor for the race after party, details of which will be announced closer to event date.
“We are proud this event continues to be successful, even with COVID-19 modifications, and are grateful to be able to continue to host this race year after year. It is because of the support of our community and local businesses that we can present a premier event for runners, supporters, charities, and others,” Michael Dixon, executive director of the Pinebelt Foundation, said.
Sponsorship opportunities exist for all levels of participation. The full sponsorship packet can be found on the race website.
For the 2021 event, modifications to accommodate social distancing and safety precautions recommended by the CDC were made, including rerouting the course and staggered starts. These modifications will remain in place for the 2022 event.
Additional information about the event, accommodations, charities, sponsorship opportunities, and more can be found at www.hburghalfmarathon.com.
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The Hattiesburg Half Marathon · 10K · 5K is a community-led event with numerous local agencies planning the race, including the City of Hattiesburg, VisitHATTIESBURG, United Way of Southeast Mississippi, and the Pinebelt Foundation. Race coordination is provided by Southern Race Timing.