Missi Cranston doesn’t mind that her daughters are &uot;training&uot; for an upcoming 5K race more than she is. After all, the race is for the children. The Natchez Junior Auxiliary Spring Into Action 5K is less than three weeks away, and Cranston said she and her children will be participating in the annual event.

In addition to the April 7 5K run and walk for adults, JA will hold a 1-mile fun run for children ages 12 and under.

&uot;We do a lot of hands-on activities with children,&uot; said Cranston, also a member of JA. &uot;And one thing we’re hoping to do is increase the number of children participating in the event.&uot;

Cranston, who has participated in races in the past, began training for the 5K earlier this year. She admits she has fallen off the wagon a bit, but that won’t stop her from participating in the race, even if she walks.

Proceeds from the 5K will benefit the many local children’s activities and charities JA supports. &uot;It will directly benefit the children of our community,&uot; Cranston said. &uot;We use our resources to provide services for many of the children in our community.&uot;

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Park. A 5K is equal to 3.1 miles, and the race will wind through the streets of downtown Natchez.

Pre-registration is under way. The cost is $15 for the 5K and $5 for the fun run. Race day registration is $17.

Registration forms can be filled out and dropped off at Key Rehab on Jefferson Davis Boulevard or at Access Travel. Participants can also fill out registration forms online at www.runevent.com. Registration forms will also be published in future editions of The Democrat.

Race co-organizer Stephanie Daly said registration for the race is going well, although she expects it to pick up as race day gets closer.

For information about the race, call 442-9966.