By John Howell
By Monday more than 300 runners had signed up for the Batesville Rotary Club’s Gateway to the Delta 10-Miler and 5K, passing last year’s total number of participants.

Race organizers expect a flurry of additional entries through the Thursday online registration deadline and on-site registration until 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, prior to the 8 a.m. starting time
“It’s a growing race, so we’re real excited about it,” said Stephen Whatley, a member of the Batesville Rotary Club who helped found the Gateway race last year and a runner himself.
Key to runner interest is the unique distance — 10 miles — and a race course with moderate hills through a scenic route, Whatley said.

Another incentive is unique perks for runners. Every 10-Miler participant gets a sweatshirt and a collectible race glass provide by Caldwell Insurance.

And this year, winners’ medals have been created in wood by artisan L. W. Mullen. Each male and female first through third place winner in each of the six age categories will receive a handmade wood disk stating place and race.

Net proceeds from the Gateway to the Delta race will help fund a yet-to-be-determined project for the youth of Batesville Whatley said.

This year, net race proceeds will be matched up to $5,000 by a grant from the Rotary International organization, he added.

Additional race details including course maps and registration are available at gatewaytothedelta.racesonline.com.

Saturday’s race will follow the Brews and Blues Craft Beer Tasting and pre-race party from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Wilbourn Building, 106 Court Street. The craft beer tasting is sponsored by the Young Professional of Panola and Southern Beverage Co. See accompanying story.