NATCHEZ — Long-distance runners in the Miss-Lou will have a great chance to get out and show what they can do Saturday Sept. 17 at the Live Well in the Miss-Lou River Bridge Run.

The Miss-Lou Regional Health care Committee, an organization designed to inform residents about the health care services provided in the area and promote quality health care in the Miss-Lou, is hosting a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile fun run to raise money for the Miss-Lou Regional Health Fair next spring, committee member Sarah Smith said.

“We are hoping to have a large Regional Health Fair at the Vidalia Convention Center for area businesses in health care to show what services and goods and physicians they offer,” Smith said. “We will raise money for that event with the 5K run and the fun run for kids.”

Money raised at the 5K will also go toward the creation of an online regional health directory, committee member Rusty Sammons said.

Participants in the 5K Run/Walk will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center, go across the Mississippi River Bridge and finish in Vidalia.

The 1-mile fun run will start at 9:30 a.m., and it begins at the Vidalia Amphitheater.

Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female finishers in each of the nine different age groups for the 5K. All fun run participants will receive ribbons.

Sammons said approximately 30 participants are registered so far, but the goal is 125 to 150 people is the goal.

“This is a fun event, and hopefully one that will become an annual event as people note the unique ability to go across the bridge,” Sammons said.

Sammons and Smith said the event was organized with cooperation from Natchez and Vidalia city officials who OK’d the use of the bridge.

“We worked with police on both sides, and have logistics plans,” Sammons said. “(The bridge) won’t be completely shut down. One lane and the shoulder will be shut down, and we’ll make sure it’s safe.”

This event was originally scheduled to take place in May, but the Mississippi River flood pushed the event back to September, Sammons said.

“We looked at the calendar of events locally, and determined (Sept. 17) wouldn’t be conflicting (with other events). We looked at the football schedules too. Also, we wanted to pick a cooler date,” he said.

Smith said the best way to register is by downloading the online form at misslouregion.com/.

“People can get on the website, download the registration form, and send it to the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce, that is the easiest way (to register),” she said.

People can also call the Chamber of Commerce and request the form to be mailed to them, Smith said.

Pre-registration ends Sept. 12. The 5K costs $20, the fun run is $10 and a corporate discount of 10 percent is given for teams of five or more participants. Late registration is Sept. 16 at the Natchez Visitor’s Center. T-shirts are guaranteed for the first 150 entrants.