Inaugural Run the Rainbow for Children’s 5K, 10K and Half Marathon is March 18
Published on Tuesday, January 17, 2023
By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu
Photos By: Melanie Thortis/ UMMC Communications
Runners from around the state will lace up March 18 to support the state’s only children’s hospital for the first Run the Rainbow for Children’s.
It will offer 5K, 10K and half-marathon routes, each with its own set of surprises, said Selena Daniel, race director and associate director of administration and finance at Children’s of Mississippi.
“We’re excited to bring a run back as a warm-up to the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade the next week,” said Daniel, an avid runner. “More than 200 runners have already registered, so we’re expecting a big turnout.”
The 5K route begins and ends at Hal & Mal’s in downtown Jackson, and the 10K and half-marathon routes will ramble through downtown Jackson, Belhaven, the University of Mississippi Medical Center campus and past the Joe and Kathy Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi.
Each participant in Run the Rainbow for Children's will receive a rainbow-colored medal.
Run the Rainbow is a week before the 39th annual Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade, which is set for March 25 in downtown Jackson. The 2023 theme and grand marshal will be announced soon.
Parade founder Malcolm White says Run the Rainbow will be the best St. Paddy’s-related run yet.
“For over 30 years, we have had a run event associated with Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival,” White said. “In the early days, we hosted the Lamarathon, then the St. Paddy’s Run. Now, we have raised the bar with the new Run the Rainbow for Children’s of Mississippi. This expanded format includes a new stand-alone date. This elevated partnership with UMMC and Children’s of Mississippi marks a milestone in telling the powerful story of the great work of these remarkable medical institutions.”
The new running event promises a few challenging hills as well as plenty of fun.
“Each of the routes will have surprises to keep Run the Rainbow fun for runners,” Daniel said. “We want everyone to enjoy Run the Rainbow and sign up again next year.”
Overall and age category winners will receive Run the Rainbow for Children's trophies.
The event ends with an after-party at Hal & Mal’s that will include live music by Hunter Gibson and the Gators and a drink ticket. A play area for kids will also be available.
Run the Rainbow for Children’s has age division trophy competitions including one for ages 15 to 19 as well as overall trophies. A walking category is available on the 5K route. All finishers will receive a Run the Rainbow medal featuring the run logo including a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with the Children’s of Mississippi rainbow.
Run the Rainbow registration includes options for virtual and in-person 5K running and walking, 10K and half-marathon runs as well as a “look like a runner” option for those who just want to buy the T-shirt.
“You can enjoy running or walking through Jackson, celebrate your finish with a medal and an after-party, and support Children’s of Mississippi and the care we provide,” Daniel said. “We think Run the Rainbow will be a new St. Paddy’s tradition.”
Volunteers for Run the Rainbow for Children’s are needed. Contact CommunityEvents@umc.edu for information about volunteering, sponsorships and more.