NATCHEZ — This weekend, the annual “5K Run for the Animals” at Historic Jefferson College will have reached is fifth year, where attendees can work on their New Year’s resolutions to be fit, while exploring the winding nature trails around historic landmarks.

And, while they are at it, they also can support their furry friends at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

Lena McKnight, shelter manager at NACHS, said runners, walkers and even their leashed canines will line up to compete at 10 a.m. on the campus, located at 16 Old North St., 6 miles northeast of Natchez, off U.S. 61.

The participation fee is $25 per human, McKnight said.

McKnight said many good reasons exist for people to sign up, the first being the animals; NACHS is a non-profit animal shelter that relies on donations to carry out day-to-day functions, she said.

Secondly, McKnight said HJC is a great venue to be fit, walk pets and have fun.

“The grounds are absolutely gorgeous, and a lot of people don’t even realize that the trail is out there,” she said. “We encourage participants to bring their own leashed companions, or if they want to walk one of ours they can contact me beforehand. They’d love a chance to get outside too.”

Robin Seage Person, site director for HJC, said the 5K is an excellent opportunity to explore the grounds surrounding the college, which was established in 1802 even before Mississippi reached statehood, she said.

Today the college operates as a museum under the direction of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Unlike traditional 5Ks, this trail winds through hills, trees and around historic buildings that were part of the original school, Person said.

Runners will see a monument that marks where the state constitution was signed and a cement pool built in the 1930s for the former students of the college, but is now in the middle of the woods, Person said.

“This event allows us to utilize our grounds a little more, and it’s beautiful out here,” she said. “Everyone makes a resolution to get in shape, and this is a great way to start that off. People can appreciate the beauty and the site.”

Person said participants would be split into different categories sorted by male and female, runners and walkers and three different age groups, and McKnight said the shelter would provide first-, second- and third-place medals for each category.

Volunteers are also welcome to help distribute water to people and animals, keep score or help with registration, she said.

Those interested can pre-register by contacting the shelter at 601-442-4001 or the college at 601-442-2901, or by email to info@historicjeffersoncollege.com.

Checks should be made out to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society and can be mailed with the entry form to P.O. Box 549, Natchez, MS, 39121-0549. Credit cards are also accepted at NACHS or over the phone.

Participants may register before the race starts at 10 a.m., but should show up an hour to 15 minutes early to do so, McKnight said.