Participation in St. John’s run increases by 400

More than 1,200 people have signed up for the 27th annual run. Organizers are expecting that number to reach 2,000.

The event begins with a 5K run at 7:30 a.m., followed by 10K and 1-mile events at 8:30 a.m. The runs conclude at Hammons Field with an award ceremony at 10:30 a.m. A $500 prize will be awarded to the 10K winner, and $250 will be given to the 5K winner.

Registration runs through 7 p.m. today at Hammons Field. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Participants still may register on Saturday but will not be eligible for awards or included in race results, and fees increase to $25 for adults and $15 for children.

During parts of the race, portions of downtown streets will be closed to traffic. That includes segments of Walnut Street, Kimbrough Avenue, Elm Street, John Q. Hammons Parkway, Trafficway Street, Grand Street, South Avenue and Campbell Avenue.

For more information, call (417) 820-6111.