Over 450 runners came out on a beautiful Saturday morning to compete in the 2024 Steel Magnolia Run held in beautiful downtown Natchitoches on March 16 . This year’s edition of the popular event featured a course taking runners through our picturesque city. Runners had a choice of a one mile “fun run” or a 5K race.

This event, in its sixth year and sponsored by the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation, was more than a chance for fun and competition. The race is a major fundraiser for the NRMC Foundation’s various initiatives to improve the health of the parish’s citizens. This year’s race is raising funds for the NRMC Cancer Center.

The Steel Magnolia Run has become more widely known outside of the local area. The US Army Recruiting Battalion for our area made a strong showing with several soldiers completing the 5K run. 

The annual race is a true community effort. The Natchitoches police department directed traffic and ensured a safe environment for the runners. NSU Student Nurses helped with directing runners along the route. The NSU and NCHS Volley teams were joined by students from St. Mary’s and the Calico Belles in cheering on the runners as they began the race and again as they finished. NRMC paramedics were on standby in case of need. 

One notable feature of the Steel Magnolia Race is that the top trophies are pieces of art! NSU Assistant Professor of Art, Corbin Covher, sculpted the awards for the top male and female runners. His handcrafted trophies helped make the race a special experience. The NRMC Foundation makes our community a better place. Let us help them as they help us!