The Selma Times-Journal

Runners have one more day to train. The Defiant Run is just around the corner.

Originator and coordinator Frank Hardy has reported how pleased he is with the number of phone calls he’s received from those wanting to know how they can get in the race.

The 13-mile road race and obstacle course, which celebrates racial diversity, is Saturday, March 31 at 9 a.m. Check-in is at 8 a.m. at the Performing Arts Center.

“Diversity is not an accident,” Hardy said.

According to Hardy, people from all over the country will be in the city participating in either the 13-mile race or the 5K Fun Run and Walk. This is the fourth annual run for the city and community leaders are strongly encouraged to get behind the event.

“I’m hoping that the corporate community sees this as an opportunity to really market Selma and gets behind this event,” Hardy said. “Not just the corporate community, but the schools and the churches should also use this opportunity to embrace diversity and create a whole new image for our community.”

The 13-mile race will begin in Selmont on Roosevelt Avenue and after two laps around the Marina, will end back on Selma Avenue at the Performing Arts Center.

The 5K Fun Run and Walk will start and end at the Performing Arts Center.

Though the races are on Saturday, the events begin on Friday.

Friday

Dismantling Racism Workshop – Free event

12 noon – 4 p.m.

Selma Convention Center

211 Washington St.

All materials, lunch and breakfast snacks provided

Cultural Sharing Pep

Rally – Free event

Pickard Auditorium

400 Washington St.

Entertaining performance

Saturday

Defiant Run Awards Ceremony

Performing Arts Center

1000 Selma Ave.

Trophies and awards, local talent performances

All participants under legal age must be registered by a parent or guardian. Entry forms my be obtained from the Centre for Commerce Building, located at 912 Selma Ave., by calling 334-872-0426 or coming by 1418 Union St. The entry fee is $25 per person.

There will be water stops along the route. Hardy suggests keeping your body hydrated and eating right for the run.

“Load up on carbs the day before the run,” Hardy said.

Route for the Competitive Runners

After check-in at the Performing Arts Center, 1000 Selma Ave., runners will be transported to the starting line at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Highway 80.

Start at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue on Highway 80

Straight on Highway 80 toward the City of Selma

Cross Edmund Pettus Bridge

Enter the city on Broad Street

Left turn on Selma Avenue

Straight on Selma Avenue to the Old Live Oak Cemetery

Right turn (bear right) into the cemetery, through the cemetery and exit left onto Dallas Avenue

Straight on Dallas Avenue to Bloch Park (approximately 50 yards) then take a left into Bloch Park

Runners will then negotiate the obstacle course in the Bloch Park open field

Exit the obstacle course going toward the Marina Area

Circle the Marina then head back toward the Bloch Park open field

Exit Bloch Park to the right going through the Civil War Reenactment Battle Ground

Exit the Battle Ground bear left onto Sattlerfield Street

Right turn off Satterfield onto Alabama Avenue

Straight on Alabama Avenue to Lauderdale Street

Left turn onto Lauderdale straight to cross the finish line at the Performing Arts Center