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Hap Hudson Road Race Attracts Runners and Walkers


Hap Hudson (far right) poses with the race coordinators at the 2012 event.

Mississippians will soon lace up their sneakers for the Hap Hudson Homecoming road race on the Mississippi College campus in Clinton.

The 5-K event on Saturday October 26th begins at 8 a.m. in front of Cockroft Hall, home of the Department of Kinesiology, the race’s sponsor.

Runners and walkers will get a glimpse of City Hall and the businesses in Olde Towne Clinton along the way before winding up at the Parkman track at Robinson-Hale Football stadium.

Last year’s winner, Mississippi College assistant admissions director Michael Wright buzzed by the opposition.

The 28-year-old Clinton resident ran the course in 18 minutes and six seconds. The Madison native is definitely not nearly as speedy as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest human. But Wright remains the man to beat in the Hap Hudson race.

T-shirts will go to all race participants. Bagels and cream cheese will be served, too.

Last year’s event drew about 300 participants who came to turn up the speed, have a little fun and pay tribute to the retired Mississippi College coach and beloved Clintonian.

The cost to enter is $15. The regular race registration deadline is Friday October 25 at 5 p.m. The cost will be $20 during race day. Registration on Saturday morning begins at 6:30 a.m.

Being in the road race is more like a close-knit family get together for Wright, an MC graduate.

“Everyone you see at the starting line is either a current MC student, an alumnus or friend,” Wright said. “It’s like a big family.”

Many Mississippi College kinesiology students will be helping to organize the sixth annual event, part of the university’s Homecoming festivities from Oct. 24-26.

For more details contact kinesiology professor Suzanne McDonough at 601.940.8186 or Kathy Gibbs at 601.925.3348.