Emile and Brooke Craig Memorial Crayola Classic 5K/10K

***Due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances, the 2024 Crayola Classic has been canceled. Refunds have been issued to all registrants. We are disappointed in this development, but are working on solutions to bring this event back in the near future. We are sorry for the inconvenience.***

The Crayola Classic is an annual 10K/5K Run & Walk held each year on the Saturday before Memorial Day.  The event is sponsored by New Day Mississippi (501c3) and provides clothes and school supplies to Region 8 kids in Rankin County.  These are the neediest of children in Rankin County and oftentimes, New Day MS is their only means of clothing and supplies for school.  The race is operated totally by volunteers and nearly 100% of the money we raise is spent to purchase clothing and school supplies. 

As of last year, the race has been permanently renamed, "The Emile and Brooke Craig Memorial Crayola Classic 5K/10K".  This change was made to include the wife of long-time Region 8 employee, Emile Craig.  Emile was a great supporter of the race and the children helped by the race proceeds. His wife Brooke lost her battle with cancer January 3, 2022. Her compassion for children was equal to that of Emile and she was passionate about helping with Region 8 Kids, fondly called “Emile’s Kids”.   The world won’t be the same without them, but their legacy will live on in the “Emile & Brookes Kids” nonprofit.

There will be a 5k walk, 5k run, 10k run/walk, and a kid's fun run. The race will take place at the Clyde Muse Center on the Hinds CC campus in Pearl, MS. There will be plenty of food and drinks for all participants, and awards will be given to the top 3 runners in 10 year age groups for the 5k walk, 5k run, and the 10k. 

If you'd like to help raise additional funds for New Day Mississippi, and earn a free race entry for your efforts, become either an individual fundraiser ($50 minimum = free race entry) or create a team fundraising effort ($250 minimum = free entry for up to five team members). You can do this during the normal registration process, just follow the prompts.

**T-shirts will be given to everyone who registers no later than 5/15**