NATCHEZ — More than 200 runners gathered to run across the river on Sept. 17 to raise money for the Miss-Lou Regional Healthcare Committee.

The first Live Well in the Miss-Lou River Bridge Run was last weekend, and runners of all ages and ability levels came out to compete.

“I am thrilled with the turnout of participants,” Miss-Lou Regional Healthcare Committee Chairman Sarah Smith said. “We surpassed our goal of 150 registrants by 75 for a total of 225, and we were supported by 33 sponsors and 40 volunteers. What an awesome first year, and we are looking forward to next year.”

Smith said the event received complements from several accomplished distance runners.

“(They) said it was very well organized and to count them in for next year,” she said.

Smith said the action was not just limited to Miss-Lou runners, as runners from around the region showed up to participate.

“This turned out to be a spectacular event promoting healthy living for our region,” she said. “We had runners and walkers come from New Orleans, Brookhaven, McComb, Jackson, Gulfport, Jena and even Texas to participate. I see it as becoming a big draw for the Miss-Lou for years to come.”

Natchez native Curtis Moroney won the male master’s run and walk and also took home the fastest time of the day.

Simmons Huber won the female master’s event.

The victory in the team competition went to Everyday Adventure, which was made up of Scott Kuppersmith, Hunter Yarbrough, Lena Yarbrough, Laurie Morgan and Sarah Boydston.

Money raised at the event will go toward funding a spring regional health fair that will be called, Live Well in the Miss-Lou Spring Healthfair, Smith said.

That event is scheduled for April 21 at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center. Money will also help fund a Miss-Lou Regional Health Care online directory, Smith said.