Hernando Water Tower 10K Canceled Due to Isaias Weather
The Hernando Water Tower 10K has been canceled. Organizers announced Friday evening, Oct. 9, that the 10K and half marathon set for Saturday morning on the Hernando Town Square will not be held because of the inclement weather expected as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias move across north Mississippi.
“The safety of our runners, volunteers and guests is our highest priority,” race organizers wrote in the announcement, posted to the race’s Facebook page a little after 5 p.m. Friday.
Why the Hernando Water Tower 10K Was Canceled
The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued a Wind Advisory for DeSoto County from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, with northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph. A Flood Watch is also in effect from 1 a.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday. The Saturday forecast for Hernando calls for rain showers, a 90 percent chance of rain, and a high near 67.
Both races had been scheduled to start at 8 a.m. Saturday, with the half marathon going off first and the 10K five minutes later, on a course that runs past the city’s historic 1925 water tower.
Race Shirt and Goody Bag Pickup Still On
Even though no one will run, registered participants can still collect their race shirts and goody bags at either of these times:
- Friday, Oct. 9, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: The Landing at Delta Landing, 885 Tunica Trails, Suite 111, across from Hernando High School on McIngvale Road.
- Saturday, Oct. 10, 8 to 10 a.m.: Hernando City Hall, 475 West Commerce Street, on the side of the building facing Elm Street.
Note that the Saturday pickup window is later than the race-morning pickup originally planned, which was set for 7 to 7:45 a.m.
Entry Fees Will Not Be Refunded
Organizers said all entry fees are non-refundable. They pointed out that the money still goes to a good cause. Race proceeds support Hernando Excel By 5’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which mails free, age-appropriate books every month to children from birth to age 5 in the community. Organizers said earlier this week that more than 600 children are enrolled this year.
Friday’s cancellation came just hours after organizers had been thanking sponsors and promoting door prizes for what is one of Hernando’s largest sports tourism events. It is one of several DeSoto County events reshuffled because of Isaias. Southaven moved its Fallfest to Sunday, and Silo Square in Southaven canceled its first Sunflower Festival.
Runners with questions should watch the Hernando Water Tower 10K & Half Marathon Facebook page and the race’s RunSignup page for any further updates.
Related: Hernando Water Tower 10K, Half Marathon Run Saturday | Southaven postpones Fallfest to Oct. 11
Source: Hernando Water Tower 10K & Half Marathon (Facebook); National Weather Service Memphis
