Rod's Racers

Happy Saturday! • When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. Isaiah 43:2 NASB1995 📖

Prophet Isaiah delivers a message from God to Judah that they would read years into the future. Judah is not in exile at the time of the prophecy. The latter portion of Chapter 42, God tells Judah that they were blind and deaf (spiritually). Now it time to encouraged Judah about their future with a promise.

(v.1) God chosen Israel as His special people to be an example to the nations. He tells them to Fear Not! They are his people.

(v.2) When God said to Judah that he will be with them they pass through the waters and fire, he meant the waters and fires of afflictions. They when through may afflictions during exile, but he promised to be with them.

A few scriptures when David describes water of afflictions.
Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me.
Psalms 42:7 NASB1995

Save me, O God, For the waters have threatened my life. Psalms 69:1 NASB1995

"The mention of the LORD’s presence and protection in the fire reminds us of the story of the three sons of Judah cast into the Babylonian furnace because they would not bow or bend to worship an idol. They also were preserved in the fire by the presence of God (Daniel 3:19-25)." - David Guzik

God will bring the nation back together. (v.8) Foretells Babylon's destruction. (v.14) Deliverance to Israel. God will do something new. (v.18-19).

🎆9th Annual Star-Spangled Night Run
🗓️ 6.20.2026
🕑 8:00 PM
📍 Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation - 1302 Adams St - Vicksburg, MS.
🔗 https://rodsracersms.info/g3r



Chip Timing provided by MS Race Timing & Management Services

The Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation (SCHF) is thrilled to present the 9th Annual “Star-Spangled Night Run in Vicksburg.” Come join us and help us light up the night in this unique event which will include a 5K run and a 5K walk through downtown Vicksburg! It will take place on Saturday, June 20th at 8:00pm and will begin and end at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.

Registration is open now! And there are several ways to participate! Registration options are: $35 – 5K Individual Fee, $20 – 5K Kids Registration (12 & under), these fees are good through June 12th (add $5 after June 12th); 5K registrations include a Night Run T-shirt, Race Bib, Glow Item, and FREE Admission to the After-Party; $30 – Spirit Runner registration includes a Night Run T-shirt, Glow Item, & FREE Admission to After-Party; and $10 – After-Party Armband (only necessary if you are not registered for the race). The first 150 registered participants will be guaranteed a Night Run Shirt. Entry forms and complete event details are available by visiting southernculture.org. Entry forms and fees can be dropped off at SCHF Business Office or mailed to SCHF, 1302 Adams Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180, or you can register online at www.RaceRoster.com. Race packet pick-up will be Friday, June 19th at the SCHF Auditorium (corner of Crawford and Cherry Streets) from 3:00pm -6:00pm and before the race on Saturday at the race site starting at 6:30 pm.

After you cross the finish line, the party begins in the SCHC Auditorium! The After-Party will include food, drinks, music, and fun for all! We will light up the night just in time for Independence Day! For FREE entry into the After-Party which includes free food and drink, runners and walkers should show their race bib and volunteers should wear their Night Run T-shirt. All others can pay $10 for an After-Party Armband for entrance to the party.

For more information, please call the SCHF office at 601-631-2997 or email [email protected].

Visit Vicksburg

🚃5th Annual Madison Station Half-Marathon, 10k, 5k, presented by MS Race Timing & Management Services
📅 10.31.2026
🕧 See start times below:
⌚ Half-Marathon - 7:00 AM
⏱️ 10k - 7:15 AM
🕝 5k - 7:30 AM
📍 The Historic Arch on Main St, near Half Shell Oyster House Madison, MS

🔗 https://rodsracersms.info/6sz



📢Join us for the 5th annual Madison Station Half Marathon! We will start under the arch located in Madison's historic downtown area and finish at the famous red caboose.

📢Contributions from this event will be made to local charities to include Webster Animal Shelter and Madison Cultural Art Center.

📢Please register early online to save on registration fees. The fees for registering at Packet Pickup will increase by $10.00. There will be no race day registrations.

⚠️REGISTER SOON.... SHIRTS AND FINISHER MEDALS ARE LIMITED.

The Half Marathon is Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) State Championship for Mississippi for 2026.

🎽Finishers will receive a finisher medal while supplies last as a congratulations for a job well done and as a thank you for being a part of our event!

🎶🎷After the race stay and enjoy the sounds of The Chill and food prepared by the Knights of Columbus Local 9543 and beverages. 🍌🍺

🎇Lions Club Sumrall presents, Liberty 250 5k & Fun Run
📅 July 4, 2026
⌚7:30 AM
📍 Lions Club Park Sumrall, MS

🔗 https://rodsracersms.info/8p2



📢Join our race on July 4th to kick of our 250th 4th of July celebration!

🎇Packet Pickup: at the Lion Club Park
July 3 | 6:00 - 7:15 PM
July 4 | 6:00 - 7:15 AM

🍅 Tomato Festival 5k
📅 6.27.2026
🕰️ 7AM
📍 Crystal Springs Community Center - 505 Lee Ave - Crystal Springs, MS
🔗 https://rodsracersms.info/01p

🏃🏼‍➡️ Chip Timing provided by MS Race Timing & Management Services

View the race route: 👉🏼 https://tinyurl.com/ytj7c3zs

🏁Start/finish line: The race will begin and end at the Community Center at the corner of North Jackson Street and Lee Avenue. Water and fruit will be waiting for you at the finish line. Bring your swimsuit to jump in the city pool and cool off after the race!

📢Driving directions:
The Lee Avenue Community Center is located at 505 Lee Avenue at intersection with North Jackson St. Directions: 1.) Exit 72 on I-55 drive east to Hwy 51, South on Hwy 51 to N Pat Harrison Dr. Watch for signs. Race day parking will be near Community Center on North Jackson St. 2.) Lee Avenue Exit on Highway 27 Roundabout – drive into town and arrive at Community Center & parking field. Volunteers will be onsite to direct you to parking. Note: Some streets will close 30 minutes prior to race start.

🚗Parking: Volunteers will direct you to parking. Parking is available at Lee Avenue field next to swimming pool and at the parking lot on North Jackson Street.

🚻Bathrooms: Bathrooms are available at the community center pool. Port-a-johns will also be onsite.

Registration info:

Race registration includes t-shirt, race bib, swag bag and more!

PRE-REGISTRATION: GUARANTEES YOU A RACE SHIRT

COST: 5K - $30 / FUN RUN $20

Family $100 up to 4 immediate family members (pre-registration only)

Team of 4 (5k run only) $100 (pre-registration only)

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR GUARANTEED SHIRT ENDS FRIDAY JUNE 19

RACE DAY REGISTRATION: COST: 5K - $40 / FUN RUN - $20

Pre-race packet pickup:

Anyone who registers by 8 p.m. on Wednesday June 24 may pick up race bag on Friday, June 26, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the gazebo in Railroad Park, located at the corner of West Georgetown Street and West Railroad Avenue in downtown Crystal Springs.

All other racers may pick up their packet on race day at the Lee Avenue Community Center.

Race t-shirts: deadline to be guaranteed a t-shirt and desired size is Friday, June 19, 2026. Remaining t-shirts will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis at packet pick up and during registration on race day.

Awards & Age Groups: Ceremony begins after the Fun Run.

Top 3 Male/Female Overall | Top 3 Male/Female Masters (40+)

Moore-Butler fastest over 80 | 1st,2nd,3rd in each age group listed below:

Age Divisions: 5K Run/Walk: 0-10,11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 plus

Team Champion in 5k run (team of four)

1Mile Fun Run: 0-5, 6-7,8-9,10-11,12-13

Race registration info:

Pre-registration online (t-shirt guaranteed) ends Friday June 19
Online race registration (t-shirt not guaranteed) closes at 6 p.m. Friday June 26.
Anyone who registers online by 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, can pick up their race packet at pre-race packet pickup on Friday, June 26. All other race registrants will pick up their race packet on race day.
Registration fees are non-refundable. No exceptions.
RACE DAY REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 6 AM.

📣Packet Pick up info:
Today ➡️ (6/12/2026) 4:30-7:00 pm at Southern Prohibition - 301 Mobile St - Hattiesburg, MS
Saturday (Race Day) ➡️ 6:00 - 7:00 am Kamper Park near the start line.

🐶 Dog Days Run or Walk - 5 Miler, 5k, 2 Miler
📅 6.13.2026
🕜 7:30 AM
📍 Kamper Park - 107 S. 17th Ave - Hattiesburg, MS
🔗 https://rodsracersms.info/zv2



🦮Run or Walk the Dogs Days 5 mile, 5 K, or 2 mile event on Saturday, June 13, 2026! This family-friendly event supports the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, helping raise funds to provide the training and education needed for our community to fully benefit from the recently passed Jill’s Law, ensuring insurance covers advanced testing to allow earlier, more accurate diagnoses and access to newer treatments that can slow the disease, giving families more time to plan and be together.

The 5 Mile, 5K, and 2 Mile races kick off early in the morning to beat the heat, offering participants the choice to run or walk with or without their furry companions. All routes will start and finish at Kamper Park (107 S 17th Avenue in Hattiesburg) at 7:30 a.m., guiding participants through the scenic Avenues of Hattiesburg, a charming neighborhood with shaded paths. Expect encouragement along the way from community volunteers. The race concludes back at Kamper Park, where a lively Finish Line Festival ("Pawty") awaits both racers and their pets.

For canine participants, please ensure your pup is in good health and properly conditioned to join the race. The 2 mile and 5K routes are pup-friendly, with water stations provided for both runners and dogs. Dogs are not permitted in the 5 mile run. All dogs must be vaccinated and they must be leashed with fixed leashes. (No retractable leashes, please!) While the race starts early, be mindful of your pet's comfort and potential overheating. Our priority is ensuring a fun and safe experience for all participants, human and canine alike!

At the Dog Days event, enjoy breakfast by Topher's, participate in the Run-by Dog Pageant judged by local celebrities along the race course (dogs identified by participants' bib numbers), and receive custom finisher medals for all racers. Additionally, all participants will receive a limited edition event t-shirt if registered before the t shirt cut off date (TBA). The race will starting promptly at 7:30 a.m. and is timed by MS Race Timing & Management Services . We want all our participants to stick around for the Finish Line Festival, featuring vendors, refreshments, entertainment, door prizes, and plenty of fun!

ALL participants who finish their chosen event will receive a Limited Edition custom finisher medal at the finish line. The TOP TEN "BIG DOGS" will also be awarded prizes. The "Big Dogs" are the fastest ten Male and Female finishers in the 5 mile race and the fastest ten Male/Female finishers with/without dogs in the 5k and 2 Mile Walk events.

Bring your pooch dressed in their finest costume and ready to show off their tricks to compete in the Run-by Dog Pageant. (See details above.) Prizes will be awarded in the following Run-by Dog Pageant categories:

🐕‍🦺Coolest Dog
Best Dressed
Best Parent/Pooch Pair
Tiny Tot
Super Dog
Diva Dog
Most Handsome Hound
and newest custom addition: Purple Royalty