NATCHEZ — In the world of competitive racing, few courses lead runners through a 19th century building, past a concrete swimming hole deep in the forest and up a 75-foot high bluff overlooking St. Catherine Creek.

For the fourth year, Historic Jefferson College is partnering with the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society for its annual 5K Trail Run for Animals.

The race, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday is open to runners and walkers and four-legged companions. The registration fee for the event is $25. Participants who register early will get a T-shirt.

Awards will be given for first, second and third place in each running/walking age class, Historic Jefferson College Site Director Robin Person said.

Wednesday afternoon Person was busy helping mark the 5Kcourse which runs through various parts of the property, including some new undeveloped trails.

“We are excited about the race,” Person said. “We do this right at the beginning of the New Year as a way for people to pursue the resolution to exercise more.”

Person said the trail is a great way to experience history and nature while helping raise money for a good cause.

This year’s race will go past the remains of Assembly Hall where territorial legislators met in the early 1800s.

“You will actually get to run through buildings,” Person said.

Each year, Person said she likes to include areas of the property that are generally not featured.

“This year, part of the new course will go to the very highest point on the bluff overlooking St. Catherine Creek,” Person said. “From the bluff, it is a 75-foot drop.”

Because the event benefits the local animal shelter, animals on a leash are welcome to participate, Person said.

Refreshments and a water station will be available. The event will happen, no matter the weather, so dress accordingly, Person said. The forecast for Saturday morning predicts sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 20s, Person said.

For more information about the race, contact NACHS Shelter Manager Lena McKnight at nachs.shelter@gmail.com or Person at info@historicjeffersoncollege.com. A registration form may be downloaded from the HJC Facebook page.

Historic Jefferson College is located in Washington off of U.S. 61 North.