MC’s Bicentennial Homecoming Saturday kicks off with annual ‘Hap’ Hudson 5K Run/Walk
The annual “Hap” Hudson Homecoming 5K Run/Walk has become much more than a tradition for Brooks Fortenberry, adjunct instructor in kinesiology at Mississippi Christian University. The 2015 MC alum considers it a kinesiology reunion.
“I see former students that I went to school with, students that I taught and patients I have treated every year,” said Fortenberry, who hasn’t missed an MC Homecoming race since 2021. “I love seeing so many familiar faces at such a good, active cause.”
MC’s Bicentennial Homecoming Saturday will begin on Oct. 31 with the 19th annual event dedicated to Hudson, legendary MC coach, longtime kinesiology faculty member and recipient of the 2026 Award of Service.
Participants should arrive at the Cockcroft Hall on MC’s Clinton campus by 6:35 a.m. for the 7 a.m. start time. Hudson plans to be on hand to start the eponymous race, which will wind through the historic district in downtown Clinton and surrounding neighborhoods and end on the Dr. James E. Parkman Track in MC’s Robinson-Hale Stadium.
Proceeds fund the scholarship award given to the “Hap” Hudson Outstanding Kinesiology Student at MC, laboratory equipment and supplies, and student travel to conferences.
Fortenberry, the MC Department of Kinesiology’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, said he has gotten to know Hudson as a student and as a teacher.
“I am very thankful for him and his support and commitment to MC his entire life,” Fortenberry said. “I can’t imagine MC athletics or kinesiology without him.”
He said the race has developed into one of the most anticipated events of MC’s Homecoming because “it’s the perfect kick-off to the day.”
The race is in “an active setting surrounded by great people. The students and professors are always so friendly and welcoming to all the participants. It supports a great cause – our students – and should be supported well.”
He said the race is a reflection of its organizer, Suzanne McDonough, MC professor of kinesiology.
“The work Dr. McDonough does to organize the volunteers, registration, route and ceremony is outstanding. It is truly run with the same level of organization as the Boston Marathon. The students can learn a great deal from how she plans this event.”
Awards will be presented to age-group winners, and top three men and women finishers will receive gift certificates.
Registration is required. For more information or to register, click here.
Sign-up For Our Newsletter
Get the latest news about Mississippi Christian University delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Along College Street e-newsletter.
