HATTIESBURG – The Ninth Annual Run for Love 5K event will be held at the University of Southern Mississippi on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006.  The event, sponsored by the Department of Recreational Sports, will feature eight different age group categories in an effort to encourage all runners to participate. 

First- and second-place winners of each category will receive prizes ranging from shirts provided by Upton Advertising Inc., to Sweet Peppers Deli gift cards, to dinner for two at El Rancho.  T-shirts will be provided to the first 100 runners to register and will be guaranteed to all pre-registered participants.  The race will also feature coverage from Rock 104 Radio, the Hattiesburg American, refreshments provided by Coca-Cola, and special assistance from the Pine Belt Pacers, a local running group.

The event, which has become a staple in the Hattiesburg community over the last few years, serves multiple purposes.  Event co-chair Joslyn Zale said, “First and foremost, Southern Miss Recreational Sports is constantly striving to provide programs and activities that are designed to enhance student life right here on campus.”  Zale added, “In addition, it is a great way to get the surrounding community involved with Southern Miss.”  Proceeds from the event will go toward the professional development of Southern Miss Recreational Sports student employees.

Although the race is rapidly approaching, there is still room for interested runners to register.  Pre-registration can be completed at the Payne Center, located off of West Fourth Street adjacent to Reed Green Coliseum, or by mail.  Runners are encouraged to take advantage of the discounted pre-registration rates.  Latecomers are welcome to sign up the day of the race at the registration table to be located on Pride Field in front of the Payne Center.  For more information, call 601.266.5405 or visit www.usm.edu/recsports/.