Participants of the annual Blueberry Jubilee 5K and Fun Run will see some changes this year as organizers work to bring a fitness event to Poplarville.
This year, the course will begin and end in front of the Pearl River County Courthouse on Main Street, Rotary Club of Poplarville President Jennifer Seal, said. The local Rotary Club sponsors the event.
The race began during the 1980s when Poplarville’s Parent Teacher Organization began raising funds for air conditioning units in the schools, Seal said.
Now, the Rotary Club of Poplarville raises funds to give back to the Blueberry Jubilee Council for its expenses, and for future Rotary service projects in the community, she said.
After receiving requests from participants to start the race earlier, Seal said the 5K will now begin at 7:30 a.m. June 10, with registration opening at 6:45 that morning.
The 5K will be timed by Diva Race and Timing Services while Rotarians cheer on runners along the route, she said.
The Poplarville Police Department will help divert traffic during the race.
Runners can register online at raceroster.com/12362, Seal said.
Online registration is $20 per runner prior to the event, or $30 the day of the race at the starting line.
T-shirts with this year’s unique design will also be distributed on a first come first served basis, Seal said.
The Fun Run is about a mile long and will begin after the 5K, at about 8:30 a.m., she said.
“It’s a good, clean fun race and a wonderful way to be healthy,” Seal said.
Everyone registered for either race will be entered to win door prizes from local businesses and the Jubilee Blueberry Council, she said.
Prizes and awards will be given out on the main stage in the parking lot of the Poplarville School District office on Julia Street at 9:45 a.m., Seal said.
For more information, call 601-403-1342 or 601-403-1317.