The Natchez Half, the first half-marathon to come to Natchez, will be Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.  Registration for the event is available online at www.thenatchezhalf.com.

This new and exciting weekend features four races, with a race for runners of all ages and abilities.  Beginning at 8:30 a.m., Saturday’s races feature a 1-mile Fun Run and a 5K (3.1 miles).  On Sunday, there is a 10K (6.2 miles) and a half-marathon (13.1 miles), both beginning at 7 a.m. The Sunday races offer runners a challenging journey through Natchez that will highlight all of the beauty and history of Natchez.

They’ll run past landmark after landmark that gives Natchez its historic zeal. Natchez Under the Hill, Dunleith, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, the Natchez Trace and historic downtown Natchez are just a few of the highlights on the 13.1-mile journey.

I wanted to put on a race with a challenging course in a city rich in history. Natchez fits that bill perfectly. I can’t wait for our runners to experience it for themselves.

The Slow Polks, the company organizing The Natchez Half, is a first-of-its-kind family business that combines the love of racing with innovative timing solutions.  By embracing the growing popularity of running in the United States, our company offers other companies and charities the opportunity to easily make money by putting on races.

“We’re helping to bring professional, quality races to both community 5Ks and regional marathons in an innovative way that makes it easy for the organizer and sophisticated for the runners.

I have enjoyed working with the Natchez Tricentennial Committee as they prepare for the holiday season. These races will follow some great events that kickoff Christmas in Natchez Friday.  Check out events and times at christmasinnatchez.com or visitnatchez.org ] to find out about the eighth annual Gumbo Cook-Off, children’s games, cookies and hot chocolate with Santa, as well as the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.
Craig Polk is the founder, president and CEO of The Slow Polks.