Hesston College is preparing to host a 26-year tradition on Saturday, Sept. 23, as part of Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend – a two-mile run walk that has become a favorite for the campus, the local community and visiting alumni and friends of the college.

The run/walk has always been named in honor of the Hesston College president in office, and in 2017 will be known for the first time as “The Manickam Mosey” in honor of President Dr. Joseph A. Manickam who will be inaugurated later in the afternoon. To date, the event has lasted through three interim presidents and Manickam marks the third permanent president to inspire the name.

The Manickam Mosey participants will leave the starting gate at 9 a.m. on a route that takes them on a scenic tour of both Hesston College and nearby Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Early registration for the event runs through Sept. 15 and costs $16. After Sept. 15, registration is $20. Registration can be completed prior to race day online. Race day registrations will run from 7:45 to 8:45 a.m., outside of the Bontrager Student Center on the Hesston College campus.

For the past 25 years, the race had been held during the college’s Thanksgiving Weekend celebration, but due to shifts in student demographics and the college’s carefully targeted recruitment strategies, the college made the decision to no longer host a Thanksgiving Weekend in 2017, so the run found a new home during Homecoming.

Each race participant will receive a number and a race shirt. Medals will be given to overall and age group winners, and all participants will have a chance to win a number of door prizes.

Race proceeds will go toward the college’s Exercise Science Equipment Project.

Contact Clay Stauffer with questions at clays@hesston.edu or 620-327-8260.