Hernando’s Water Tower 10K expands with half marathon
Photo: Runners leave the start of last year’s Hernando Water Tower 10K. A half-marathon run has been added to this year’s event. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
HERNANDO, Miss. — The City of Hernando is gearing up for its 15th annual Water Tower 10K, which this year adds a new half marathon to its lineup. The race is set for Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 a.m., and registrations have already poured in from 16 different states and Mexico, underscoring the event’s growing reputation as a destination race.
City of Hernando Community Development Director and race organizer Gia Matheny said nearly 450 runners are currently signed up, with about 150 registered for the inaugural half marathon. She noted that registrations typically surge in the weeks leading up to the race.
“This event has grown into something special,” Matheny said. “We’re not only attracting local runners but people from all over the country who may be experiencing Hernando for the first time. That’s a big win for our community and our local businesses.”
Spirit Runners Welcome
Organizers also offer a Spirit Runner option for those who want to support the race and receive a race shirt without running the course. This makes it possible for supporters of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library fundraiser—one of the primary beneficiaries of the event—to take part in the cause even if they can’t physically join on race day.
A Challenging Course and Community Celebration
Known for its hilly terrain, the Water Tower 10K has long been a favorite for runners training for larger events like the St. Jude Marathon. The half marathon course incorporates Hernando’s Mackinvale Trail, giving participants a scenic route that ties back into the 10K course before finishing at the same downtown location.
The after-race celebration has become almost as popular as the run itself, featuring craft beer, food, and door prizes that include gift cards and even vacation packages.
Supporting Early Literacy
The race began with a Mississippi Development Authority grant to promote health tourism but has since evolved into Hernando’s major fundraiser for early literacy. Proceeds help fund the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides free books to about 700 children in Hernando each month. Additional books are also given away at city events throughout the year. It costs the city about $19,000 annually for the city to offer the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to children from newborn to age five.
More City Events
The Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon are just part of a full calendar of city-led activities. Hernando also organizes the Touch-A-Truck event, the 27-week Hernando Farmers Market, Dickens of a Christmas festival, and Cookies with Santa, among others. Each event draws crowds and helps showcase the city’s culture, local businesses, and community spirit.
Registration and course maps for the Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon are available online.
