2 events in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi

Join us for the StateDM $5 Fun Run/Walk 5K on Sunday, March 1st at 9:00 AM, benefiting State Dance Marathon at Mississippi State University in support of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

This is a non-competitive, no-pressure 5K designed for everyone—run it, walk it, jog it, or dance your way through! The race will start at the Hunter Henry Center and finish in the McCarthy Quad, where a lively finish-line celebration awaits.

One of the most meaningful parts of the morning will be the presence of our miracle kids—past patients from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital—who will be there to celebrate with us and share their inspiring stories. Their journeys are the heart of why we move, fundraise, and come together.

After crossing the finish line, enjoy:

• Music to keep the energy high

• Snacks and drinks

• A StateDM merch table

• Vendor booths from Arepas Coffee and Buff City Soap

• A finisher medal for every participant

There are no bibs and no timing—just a fun, feel-good morning coming together for a powerful cause. Every step you take helps support children and families through StateDM’s mission of Unity, Empathy, and Service. So, grab $5 and your friends and come walk or run a no pressure 5K (3.1 miles)! ALL PROCEEDS will go straight to StateDM!

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a meaningful way to start your Sunday, we’d love to have you with us.

Every Bulldog matters—and every step helps change lives.

Join us for the second annual Kites and Rainbows Run as we race through Mississippi State University’s campus and iconic areas of Starkville. With race options for all ages, it’s a great way to spend the morning together while supporting Mississippi’s only children’s hospital.

Race weekend lines up with one of the biggest weekends in Starkville: Mississippi State vs. Tennessee baseball, International Fiesta, and the King Cotton Crawfish Boil. Plan to make a full day (or weekend) of it!

Race Options

• 10K Run

• 5K Run and Walk

• Aquathlon: 5K run + 800-meter swim at the Sanderson Center (max 44 participants)

• Kids Fun Run

Event Highlights

• Start and finish at The Junction on MSU’s campus

• Routes through campus and around Starkville

• Chip timing

• Finisher medals and race t-shirts for participants

• Awards for overall and age-group winners