NATCHEZ &8212; When competitive runners wondered what was there to do to stay sharp in the fall, the Natchez Junior Auxiliary listened.

And acted.

The JA has switched its annual &8220;Run for the Kids&8221; 5K Run/Walk and One Mile Fun Run for Saturday after years of holding the event in the spring. The race&8217;s purpose, however, remains the same in its fifth year as all proceeds will benefit needy children in the Miss-Lou.

&8220;We had talked to some of the runners,&8221; said Nancy McFarland with JA.

&8220;There&8217;s not a fall race. We thought it would be good if we flip-flopped our two fund-raisers. We have had a run in the spring a shrimp boil in the fall.&8221;

The race will start at Memorial Park Saturday with the course throughout downtown. Runners can compete in the 5K run and walk, and there will be a 1-mile for children ages 12 and under.

Parents can run with their children in the race but must exit before their child crosses the finish line, McFarland said. All children will receive medals.

The 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 1-mile fun run will began an hour later.

Anyone interested can pre-register at $15 for the 5K and $5 for the fun run. Registration the day of the race is $20.

Registration forms can be dropped off at Natchez Sports Rehab or mailed to the race director. For more information, call 601-446-1219.