Saturday, June 26th
in Crystal Springs, Mississippi
Join us for the 2021 Tomato Festival 5K on Saturday, June 26th and help us kick off Tomato Festival Day with a race through Mississippi’s very own Tomatopolis, Crystal Springs, Mississippi.
Whether you are a seasoned runner or participating in your first-ever 5K, we are committed to giving you the very best experience we can! Find race details below & register today to participate in a hometown tradition that brings runners and walkers from all over to the Tomato Capital of the World! We are so thankful to be able to join together together with our running community with special support from the City of Crystal Springs, our race sponsors, and volunteers, who all make this event possible.
Proceeds from the race benefit the beautification projects in the City of Crystal Springs.
__________________________________________
RACE DETAILS
When:
Saturday, June 26, at 7 a.m.
Location:
Crystal Springs Community Center
210 Lee Avenue
Crystal Springs, Mississippi 39059
Start/finish line: The race will begin and end at the Community Center at corner of North Jackson 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! Click here to see the 5k run/walk route.
Driving directions:
The Lee Avenue Community Center is located at 210 Lee Avenue at intersection with North Jackson St. Directions: 1.) Exit 72 on I-55 drive east to Hwy 51 & follow 5K direction signs. Our Father’s House parking lot 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: North Jackson Street will close 30 minutes prior time race begins.
Parking: Volunteers will direct you to parking. Parking is available at Lee Avenue field next to swimming pool and Our Father's House on North Jackson Street.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms are available at the community center pool. Port-a-johns will also be onsite.
Registration info:
5K Run/Walk: $25 pre register, $30 race day
Family $70 up to 4 immediate family members - only available for pre register
One Mile Kids’ Fun Run: $15 pre register, $20 race day
Race registration includes t-shirt, race bib, swag bag and more!
Pre-race packet pickup:
Anyone who registers by 12 p.m. on Thursday June 24 may pick up race bag on Friday, June 25, 2021 | 1 p.m. To 6 p.m. at the
Packing Shed, located at the corner of East Railroad Avenue and East Marion Avenue facing Crystal Springs Hardware.
All other racers will pick up 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 11, 2021. Remaining t-shirts will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis during registration on race day. The Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for awards or packets not claimed on race day.
Awards & Age Groups: Ceremony begins after the Fun Run.
Male/Female Overall | Masters (40-49) | Grand Masters (50-59) | Senior Masters (60+)
Moore-Butler fastest over 80 | 1st,2nd,3rd of each age group.
Age Divisions: 5K Run/Walk 0-14,15-19,20-25,25-29,30-34,35-39,40-44,45-49,50-54,55-59,60-65,65-69,70 plus
1Mile Fun Run: 0-5, 6-7,8-9,10-22,12-13
Race registration info:
- Pre-registration for mail in and online (t-shirt guaranteed) ends Friday June 11.
- Online race registration (t-shirt not guaranteed) closes at 10 p.m. Friday June 25.
- Anyone who registers online by 12 noon on Thursday, June 24, can pick up their race bag at pre-race packet pickup on Friday, June 25. All other race registrants will pick up their race bag on race day.
- Registration fees are non-refundable. No exceptions.
- RACE DAY REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 6 AM.
Registration fees
1 Mile Fun Run (13 and under)
-
Register$15.00Mar 15 - Jun 25
5K Run
-
Register$30.00Mar 15 - Jun 25
5K Walk
-
Register$30.00Mar 15 - Jun 25
Shirt Only
If you only want the shirt and do not want to run, submit your shirt order here :) Pickup your shirt at Pre-Race packet pickup or the morning of the race.
-
Register$25.00
Cost of shirt
Mar 15 - Jun 25
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- 6 a.m. Race Day Packet Pick-Up
- 6:45 a.m. Pre-race announcements
- 7 a.m. 5K Run/Walk Start
- 8:30 a.m.* One Mile Kids Fun Run
*Approximate start times. We will wait for all runners and walkers to complete the 5K before starting the
Kids Fun Run. Parents are welcome to run with their child during the Kids Fun Run. Please note children must be accompanied by an adult at all times at the race site.
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
MS Race Timing & Management Recommendations for Race Day
Participant Expectations
• Do not participate if you are feeling sick or ill, have fever or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19.
• Persons from high risk groups for COVID-19 should consult a physician before participating.
• Do not engage in traditional forms of physical contact (handshakes, high-fives, hugs).
• Always maintain social distancing.
• Do not spit or clear nose in public.
• Wear face masks before and after race.
• Encourage the carrying of personal hydration bottles to reduce number of water stops on course.
Pre-race Preparations
• No race day registration.
• Be aware of the number of participants and volunteers to follow local guidelines for group gatherings.
• Limit size of event to be in compliance with local guidelines if necessary.
Start of Race
• Start race in groups (waves), allowing participants to maintain a 6-foot distance on sides and front to back.
• Start in corrals of 9-12 participants depending on pace. Maintain rows of 3 participants 3 to 4 deep. Start each corral every 30 seconds. Create two corrals at start to allow consecutive waves of participants to move into place once first wave of participants start. See Exhibit A Recommended Starting Line-Up.
• Race will be chipped timed from beginning to end, allowing participants to run at their own pace while having an accurate race time/result.
• Groups will depart from fastest to the slowest with walkers starting last.
• Participants will be discouraged from running or walking in groups.
• Participants will be encouraged to maintain social distancing at all times.
Water Stops
• Participants will be encouraged to self-carry hydration bottles.
• Volunteers working water stations will wear gloves and face masks at all times,
• Place water on tables to allow participants to pick up own water. Spread cups out for easy pick-up.
• A separate group of volunteers will oversee picking up discarded cups. Gloves and masks should always be worn. Workers picking up discarded cups will not be allowed to pass out water or fill cups.
Post Race
• Once participants cross the finish line, they will move off of course.
• Participants will be encouraged to put face covering back on.
• Participants will be asked to refrain from physical contact with fellow participants and volunteers.
• Participants should be offered individually wrapped snack.
• Post-race hydration will be served on tables for individual pick-up.
• Awards will be given immediately after race. Medals will be handed to participants and not put around necks.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Race Director, Crystal Springs Chamber of Commerce
- tomatofest5k@gmail.com
- Phone
- 601-892-2711
