NATCHEZ — This weekend, runners will deck the streets of Natchez with the second annual Holly Half Marathon and 5K that will benefit Natchez charities.

Event organizer and 2018 Pilgrimage Garden Club Queen, Lansing Brakenridge said the first Holly marathon raised $12,000, which benefitted the Natchez Stewpot and the restoration of Stanton Hall.

“We already know tourism is huge in Natchez,” Lansing said. “I wanted to give people a reason to visit Natchez around Christmastime.”

This year — in addition to Stanton Hall and the Natchez Stewpot — Brakenridge said the event would also contribute to Longwood and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Jackson in honor of Mary Blair Johnson.

“I had such a good turnout for last year’s event, I’ve decided to add another charity,” Brakenridge said. “Before my reign as the (2018) Pilgrimage Garden Club Queen, my page Mary Blair Johnson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. … Her father, Forrest is also an avid runner. I thought it would be a great idea to make this event something Mary Blair, her family and I can share for as long as possible.”

Lansing said the half marathon would start at 8 a.m. Saturday on Broadway Street followed by the 5K at 8:15 and both would end at the Natchez Brewing Company.

Registration, as well as registration package pick up, lasts from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday at 100 Main Spirits & Eatery and costs $45 for the 5K and $80 for the half marathon.

Early registration is $35 for the 5K and $70 for the half marathon and can be completed at https://hollyhalfmarathon5k.itsyourrace.com.

Race information and details can be found on the “Holly Half and 5K” page on Facebook or by calling Brakenridge at 318-719-9144.