Join us for the 4th annual Purple Up! 5K run/walk on Friday April 17, 2026 at Lake Okatibbee!
April is Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the sacrifices and strength of all military children. The color purple symbolizes a combination of all branches of the military- Air Force blue, Army green, Navy blue, Marine red, and Coast Guard blue. Purple Up! Day is a special day set aside for all to wear purple to support and thank military children in the community and around the world. We invite everyone to wear purple to show your support!
Join WLHS National Honor Society and WLHS Stars & Stripes Club in a 5K run/walk at Lake Okatibbee. Contributions will benefit military families at school and in the community. In addition to the 5K, there will be a shorter distance fun run for those 10 and younger.
This will be a loop course with water stations along the way.
All 5K and Fun Run participants will receive a race t-shirt (if registered by 3/31/26) and medal with registration. T-shirts not guarantee if registering after 3/31/26.
All participants and spectators are subject to Title 36 rules and regulations. No alcohol use on the premises. Pets are not allowed to participate in the race. Spectator pets must remain on a leash at all times per title 36.
Race Day Registration and packet pick-up: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Race Start: 5:30 PM
Fun Run to follow completion of the 5K
Awards 6:30 PM
Awards: Fastest Overall Male and Female,
Fastest top three Male and Female 10 and under (Fun Run),
Fastest top three Male and Female Middle School Students,
Fastest top three Male and Female High School Students,
Fastest Male and Female 19-29,
Fastest Male and Female 30-39,
Fastest Male and Female 40-49,
Fastest Male and Female 50-59,
Fastest Male and Female 60+.
Fastest Male and Female West Lauderdale School Faculty member
Please note, this race will not be professionally timed. We encourage all runners/walkers to keep track of their own time and use the race clock at the start/finish line. We will keep track of who crosses the finish line first for each age division for awards.
Race Start: East Bank Park. Follow the signs from the main entrance at the West Bank to the race start area.
East Bank Shelter- 8604 Okatibbee Dam Road
Collinsville, MS 39325
The official flower of the military child is the dandelion:
Dandelions put down roots almost anywhere and it is almost impossible to destroy.
It is an unpretentious plant, yet good looking.
It is a survivor in a broad range of climates.
Military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them.
They are hardy and upright.
Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the Military, planted swiftly and surely.
They’re ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends.
Military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient.
They have learned from an early age that home is where their hearts are.
That a good friend can be found in every corner of the world.
They learn that to survive means to adapt.
That the door that closes one chapter of their life opens to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and new experiences.