Sandee Pendergrass's Staging Area

The Hattiesburg Half Marathon, 10K & 5K event (formerly the Rise & Shine Half) literally gets bigger and better every single year. This was my 5th year to run the Half and I can’t wait for 2020. April usually offers good weather conditions and the course isn’t too hilly or high in traffic so there is nothing stopping runners from achieving a new PR. It’s a well mapped and safe route with tons of cheering supporters along the way so you never feel alone even if you aren’t with a pack of runners.

Multiple charitable organizations benefit from the proceeds on this very organized event and participants can choose the specific charity they want to support as well. Those charity organizations are involved with the race and sponsor areas along the route. I fully admit I am partial to the Southern Pines Animal Shelter because you can get PUPPY KISSES with your cup of Powerade!!!

There are plenty of hydration stations with a variety of drink and snack choices long before you reach the after party downtown – and you don’t want to miss the after party! At the party, you get plenty of food and drinks plus photo ops and the chance to relax your aching muscles with the help of the best physical therapists in town. Participants get a beautiful medal and a great shirt plus winners are treated to really nice unique awards they can’t get everywhere else. Whether running, walking or something in between and no matter the distance, every finisher really gets to feel like a winner.