Registration open now for ERDC’s Mad Scientist 5K, set for Oct. 23

VICKSBURG, Miss.— On Oct. 23, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) will open its gates for the community-wide Mad Scientist 5K run/walk, plus a one-mile Fun Run.

The event, now in its fourth year, will take place on ERDC’s Vicksburg campus, which is historically known as the Waterways Experiment Station. Beginning at the headquarters building, the 3.1-mile race course will wind through the station, showcasing different ERDC laboratories and testing facilities along the way.

“The race began in 2017 to give the public a chance to come see where our scientists and engineers do their research, and since then, it’s been a great success,” said ERDC Commander Col. Teresa Schlosser, who added that proceeds from the race benefit scholarships given to local high-school seniors by the ERDC Alumni Association. “Not only is it a fun, family-friendly event, it’s a way to give back and encourage students who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.”

Though the Mad Scientist 5K is typically held in September, the race committee followed the lead of many other area spring/summer races and decided to delay until fall. Like many other annual events last year, the 2020 race was cancelled because of COVID-19, and organizers are hopeful that racers are ready to participate again. In the past, more than 200 people have registered to run or walk the course each year.

Online registration is available now until Thursday, Oct. 21 at https://raceroster.com/events/2021/51238/mad-scientist-run. Packet pick-up for pre-registered racers will be from 3 until 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22 at the ERDC Visitors Center, which is just inside the main gate at 3909 Halls Ferry Road. Packets will also be available for pickup at the race site on Oct. 23, beginning at 7 a.m.

Registration is $25 for the 5K and $10 for the Fun Run before Oct. 15, and cost will be $30 for the 5K and $15 for the Fun Run after Oct. 15. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 200 registrants, and special awards will be given to male and female racers who place in the overall top three, as well as top three for the seven age group categories.

Participants can also register the day of the race beginning at 7 a.m. at the ERDC Headquarters Building, which can be accessed off Halls Ferry Road just past Bering Street.

The race will begin at 8 a.m., and the one-mile Fun Run for those ages 15 and under will follow at 9:15 a.m.

For more information, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2021/51238/mad-scientist-run.