Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will commemorate 30 years of Grizzly Athletics as part of its annual homecoming celebrations Jan. 27, and officials invite everyone to be a part of the festivities by participating in the first ever Grizzly Homecoming 5K.

The 3.1-mile race will begin at 9 a.m. in front of the Grizzly Lofts, 665 Missouri Ave., and wind through campus before ending back at the Lofts, organizers said. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Lofts.

All age groups are encouraged to participate by running or walking the course. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. The first 30 participants who register for the event will receive a commemorative 30th anniversary Grizzly Athletics T-shirt, organizers said.

Registration information

Registration fees are $15 for children ages 12 and under, $15 for students, and $30 for adults. Participants can register in advance at Maroonation.MissouriState.edu/Homecoming5K or the day of the event at the Lofts, organizers said. Proceeds will benefit Grizzly Athletics scholarships, they added.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for alumni and friends to return to campus to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Grizzly Athletics and see how Missouri State-West Plains has evolved,” said Katie Dudden, assistant director of donor and alumni relations at MSU-WP.

If inclement weather is predicted for Jan. 27, officials will make a decision concerning cancellation of the event by Jan. 24. Those who have registered in advance will be notified directly and a post announcing the cancellation will be made to the Missouri State University-West Plains Alumni and Friends Facebook page.

For more information, contact the MSU-WP university advancement office at 417-255-7240 or email WPAlumni@MissouriState.edu.