The Natchitoches Women’s Resource Center held its 14th annual “Run Baby Run” fundraising one mile and 5k race on May 16. This year’s edition of the popular race featured 171 runners on a picturesque course that started at the First Baptist Church and wound through downtown and the city before ending back at the church.

Two of the more noteworthy runners were 75 years young Marine Corps veteran and Boston Marathon finisher Jack Adair who ran the course with his granddaughter Trinity, a junior at North Desoto High School. 

The Women’s Resource Center provides pregnancy related assistance to over 400 women in a ten-parish area each year, providing 5-10 visits during the pregnancy with help continuing through the child’s first year. The Center provides its clients counseling, education and items such as prenatal vitamins, car seats, and clothing. These items and the center’s support give the child and new mother a good start on their new lives. No woman is ever charged a fee.

The Natchitoches Police Department gave the racers an escort. Volunteers from the community and area churches registered runners and directed them throughout the course. The annual Run, Baby Run fundraiser is truly a community effort as people from every walk of life join together to help others in our community.