The second annual Rodney Richardson Water Run 2024 in support of Ddembe Ministries activities for vulnerable children and widows in Jinja, Uganda, will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 17, at Town Square Park in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Community participants can beat the heat with a fun-filled, 5K Water Run and 1-Mile Fun Run, a family-friendly event reaching around the world to a create a home for babies in need and build brighter futures for the families of Ddembe.
Race Water Features
This year's scenic route will wind through Hattiesburg’s historic, downtown district and keep racers cool with an arsenal of eight Super Soaker stations, creating cascades of water sprays along the course. At the race midpoint, runners will pass through a shimmering tunnel of refreshing bubbles, and they’ll cross the finish line under a dramatic, 30-foot-high, waterfall, courtesy of the Hattiesburg Fire Department.
Before and after the race, eventgoers can sample wonderful drink options from a variety of local vendors like Grin Coffee, Sweet Sippi Shave Ice, and Smoothie King. Attendees will also enjoy a unique Ugandan cultural experience, against a backdrop of vibrant African music streaming through the park and shopping at a Ugandan marketplace that will showcases handcrafted goods from the women of Ddembe.
The Ddembe Cause
All proceeds from Water Run 2024 will directly benefit the Ddembe Children’s Home and Women’s mission to provide hope and critical resources, food, clothing, medical care, and educational opportunities, and life skills to vulnerable children, widows, and HIV-impacted women.
For the first time, the event will raise resources for the newly-acquired Ddembe Babies Home
(https://photos.app.goo.gl/jznP9uzPB8vPiGa1A), a safe home environment providing essential care for homeless newborns, toddlers, and children with special needs under the age of five. Contributions will help fund construction of a new wall around the Babies Home to ensure the protection of the children and dedicated caregivers at the home.
Race Registration Details
• Water Run Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
• Time: 5K Water Run starts at 8 AM; 1-Mile Fun Run begins at 8:45 AM
• Location: Town Square Park, 100 Main Street, Downtown Hattiesburg, MS 39401
• Activities: 5K Run/1-Mile Fun Run, Super Soaker Stations, Bubble Machines, Fire Department water spray feature, Food Trucks, African cultural music, Handcrafted Goods Marketplace
• For registration, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, go to:
https://runsignup.com/Race/MS/Hattiesburg/RodneyRichardsonWaterRun
• Registration Cost: $45 -- Register now to secure your spot
• Awards: 5K Water Run will go to overall male and female, and top male and female finishers in each age group
• Pre-race Packet pickup: Friday, August 16th, between 5-7 p.m., at RARE Design, 127 Buschman Street, Suite 10.
• Race Day Packet Pickup: Saturday, August 17, 6-7:30 a.m., at Town Square Park, 100 Main Street, Hattiesburg
For Water Run race details: https://runsignup.com/Race/MS/Hattiesburg/RodneyRichardsonWaterRun
For more on Ddembe and its mission, visit ddembe.org
