Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon
Hernando's Water Tower Half Marathon offers a festive small-town race with a lively after-party.
Race Date
Oct 10, 2026
Location
Hernando, MS
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Location
- Hernando, Mississippi
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, 6.21 Miles, LO, Spirit Runner-V, FLO
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 132
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Hernando, Mississippi, known as "Mississippi's Front Porch," hosts its 17th Annual Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon on October 10, 2026. This race, first run in 2002, offers a chance to explore scenic, tree-lined neighborhoods, passing the historic 1925 Hernando Water Tower. The event kicks off from the charming Hernando Town Square.
With a median field size of around 257 finishers, the race draws participants from approximately 14 states. While not described as an easy course, it's noted as a good practice run for longer races. The atmosphere is enhanced by the simultaneous Hernando Farmers Market and DeSoto Arts Council show, creating a vibrant town square setting.
The post-race celebration is a highlight, featuring free food, drinks, beer, live music, and numerous door prizes from local businesses. Proceeds from the event benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, supporting early childhood literacy in the community.
Race-provided description
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, runners from across the Mid-South are invited to “Mississippi’s Front Porch” for the 17th Annual Hernando Water Tower 10K & Half Marathon. Starting and finishing on the historic Hernando Town Square, both races wind through scenic, tree-lined neighborhoods and past the iconic 1925 Hernando Water Tower. The Half Marathon begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 10K at 8:05 a.m. After crossing the finish line, all registered runners and Spirit Runners are invited to enjoy the Race After Party featuring free food, drinks, beer, live music, awards, and door prizes. For safety, the course will close at 12:00 p.m., and all Half Marathon participants must reach the 10-mile marker by 11:00 a.m. Runners who remain on the course after these times must follow all traffic laws and proceed at their own risk. Proceeds benefit Hernando Excel By 5’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library, providing free books each month to local children from birth to age five. Click on "Topic Buttons" below for additional information
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
475 West Commerce, Hernando, MS, 38632
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
+0.35 m
Separation
1.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MS25005MS · Water Tower Half Marathon, Hernando MS
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick421 year running
~257 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 14 states
winner 1:27:36
typical high 78°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
59°
Afternoon (High)
78°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
65%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 132 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
132
Median time
2:10:55
Latest turnout
132
States
14
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon?
The Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Hernando, Mississippi.
What distances does the Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, 6.21 Miles, LO, Spirit Runner-V, FLO.
Is the Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 132 runners who have completed the Hernando Water Tower 10K and Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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