Mississippi Runners Lining Up for Hap Hudson 5K Homecoming Race

Coach Hap Hudson signals the start of the 2013 race named in his honor.

The 2014 Hap Hudson 5K Homecoming Race at Mississippi College expects to attract 250 runners from across the Magnolia State.

Many of the Mississippians lacing their sneakers at the road race on Saturday October 18 will be admirers of the beloved MC alumnus and longtime coach from Clinton.

The Mississippi College Department of Kinesiology sponsors the annual race that’s a big part of the Baptist-affiliated university’s Homecoming October 16-19. The event begins at 8 a.m. on the Clinton campus.

The overall women’s winner of the 2013 Hap Hudson race was Bethany Pigott. She completed the course in 20 minutes and 29 seconds. Zak Prevost was the men’s winner with an impressive time of 17 minutes and 31 seconds.

The run starts at Cockroft Hall and winds by the quaint shops of historic Olde Towne Clinton. Race participants head down Jefferson, Capitol and West streets before reaching West Madison Street. Runners reach College Street before the final push takes them to the track at Robinson-Hale Stadium, home of the MC Choctaws. Refreshments will be served after the race.

Every year, the race attracts a strong field of participants. Other standout runners from the 2013 Hap Hudson race included Michael Wright, Tracey Harrison, Jody Ogletree, Clay McDonough and several of Coach Hudson’s family members.

The race is for a good cause  - to promote healthy lifestyles and assist Mississippi College students along the way. Race proceeds help pay the costs of sending MC kinesiology students to conferences. Other funds are used to provide a scholarship for an outstanding kinesiology student. Last year’s scholarship winner was NaBeth Lusk.

Coach Hap Hudson is always on hand to greet the runners and see many old friends every fall.

“Anyone who’s had the pleasure of being one of his athletes, having him as a teacher or simply meeting him in person will not forget his contagious attitude and passion for life,” says MC kinesiology instructor Zack Vosen.

Signing up for the race is pretty easy. The best way is to visit the Department of Kinesiology website at www.mc.edu/academics/departments/kinesiology. Just follow the directions to complete the registration.

The cost is $15 in advance and $20 on the morning of the race. Registration will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. that Saturday.

Race director Suzanne McDonough, an MC kinesiology professor, says the event works well with her Fit Freshman program that began September 25. It will introduce MC students to 30 minutes of continuous exercise every week and a chance for a free Hap Hudson Homecoming 5K registration.

The 7^th annual event, McDonough said, “is one of the highlights of my academic year. We get to gather with family, friends and students to corporately run and be active.”

Making the race showcase Hap Hudson each year is really special for the veteran runner. “Coach Hudson has been and continues to inspire me to be better, know more and be a role model in my professional life and personally.”

The event seeks to attract lots of students, but is open for young runners all the way up to senior citizens. Healthy lifestyles are designed for people of all ages.