Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon

About the Event

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, running enthusiasts from across the Mid-South and beyond are invited to “Mississippi’s Front Porch” to participate in Hernando’s 17th Annual Water Tower 10K & Half Marathon road race. This beloved event highlights the charm of Hernando’s historic districts and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, the Hernando Water Tower.

Following the successful addition of the Half Marathon distance in 2025, runners will enjoy an extended course that not only tours Hernando’s historic neighborhoods but also showcases the scenic areas surrounding the city.

The Half Marathon will begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 10K race starting five minutes later. Both races will begin in the heart of the city at Hernando’s historic Town Square, featuring routes that wind through picturesque, tree lined streets in the shadow of the iconic Hernando Water Tower. Built in 1925, the tower is proudly designated as an official Mississippi Landmark and serves as a centerpiece of the race experience.

For safety and operational purposes, the course will close at 12:00 p.m. Any runner remaining on the Half Marathon course after this time must follow all state and local traffic laws and will be proceeding at their own risk. Additionally, all participants must reach the 10 mile marker by 11:00 a.m. Runners who remain on the course after this cutoff time will also be proceeding at their own risk. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping keep race day safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Race proceeds benefit Hernando Excel By 5’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which supports early childhood literacy by ensuring young children have access to age appropriate books. Every enrolled child, from one month old through age five, receives one free book each month until their fifth birthday, helping build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

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Races Offered

Half Marathon (Under 21)

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — 13.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

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$45.00

Half Marathon 21+

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — 13.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

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$55.00

10K (21+)

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — 6.21 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:05

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$30.00

10K (under 21)

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — 6.21 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:05

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$25.00

High School XC

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — 6.21 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:05

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$25.00

Spirit Runner (Shirt + Goody Bag + After Party access)

Oct 10, 2026

straighten

Distance — 6.21 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:05

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$30.00

Test

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — 6.21 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:05

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$0.00

FLO

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — FLO

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:30

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$0.00

LO

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — LO

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:30

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$15.00

Spirit Runner-V

Oct 10, 2026

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Distance — Spirit Runner-V

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:30

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$0.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Hernando.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 14.2° / 24.9°

wb_sunny 12.6° / 24.0°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 9.6 /

water_drop 64.3%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 14.2° / 24.9°

wb_sunny 12.6° / 24.0°

air 9.6 km/h

water_drop 64.3%

About Hernando

Learn more about the host city, Hernando.

Hernando is a city in and the county seat of DeSoto County, on the northwestern border of Mississippi, United States. The population was 17,138 according to the 2020 census records. It is located on the south side of the Memphis, Tennessee metro area. U.S. Route 51 and the I-55 freeway traverse the city from north to south, and the I-69 freeway crosses the city from east to west. The county courthouse is located within Hernando's historic downtown square. It is located at the intersection of Commerce Street and present-day U.S. 51.