MC’s Homecoming Saturday begins with the 18th annual Coach ‘Hap’ Hudson 5k race
Cherished Mississippi College Coach “Hap” Hudson will be on hand to start the eponymous 5k race at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 – the first event of Homecoming Saturday at MC.
The 2025 event will mark Hudson’s 18th appearance at the annual race, which will begin at Cockcroft Hall, wind through the historic district in downtown Clinton and surrounding neighborhoods, and end on the Dr. James E. Parkman Track in Robinson-Hale Stadium.
Participants should arrive by 7 a.m. Proceeds fund the scholarship award given to the “Hap” Hudson Outstanding Kinesiology Student at MC, laboratory equipment and supplies, and student travel to conferences.
“It’s nice to see the students and alumni and people from the town all get together,” Hudson said. “I enjoy seeing those people. They’re contributing to the Department of Kinesiology, which is one of the main reasons (for the race).
“MC has meant a lot to me. I’ve gotten to know a lot of good people, and I’ve seen the college grow over the years. We’re hoping for a good turnout.”
Suzanne McDonough, MC professor of kinesiology who has served as director of the race throughout the years, said she loves being part of Homecoming Saturday’s opening act.
“This race is truly a time of celebration for Coach Hudson and all he has accomplished over the past 65 years at MC,” McDonough said. “He continues to teach and is a beloved member of our faculty.
“I enjoy getting to see how everyone comes together to get a project done in such a short amount of time and the camaraderie of the MC students and faculty.”
She said local artist and MC adjunct faculty Kent Murmert has done artwork for the race every year. Teresa Boone of Ree’s Designs has printed every shirt given to participants. Clark Beverage has distributed water and soda each year. Woody Barnett of Pirate Timing of Pearl has done complimentary timing of the race for many years.
“Each of these special people has unique relationships with Coach Hudson, and they come through for us each year,” she said.
McDonough said the race has the full support of Christopher Washam, chair and professor of kinesiology and interim dean of the School of Education and Human Sciences, who lets students have the autonomy to run the event.
“It really is about teaching the students how to develop their own community-wide initiatives and build relationships,” she said. “They do most of the fundraising, and many of Coach Hudson’s former players, friends and colleagues support the race.
“As an only child, I gain considerable joy from interacting with Coach Hudson’s large family. Coach is one of my best friends. He has been a considerable encouragement to me over the last 19 years, and I wouldn’t trade a minute of the time I spend with him.”
Awards will be handed out to age group winners, and the top three men and women finishers will receive gift certificates.
Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit mc.edu/academics/departments/kinesiology/.
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