The Sandhills Race Series Spring Series kicks off Saturday, Feb. 2, with the third annual Mardi Gras Miles.

New this year, the 5K event will be professionally timed.

The 5K will begin at 9:30 a.m. The race will start at Sandhills Community College and head down along the rolling hills and sandy path of Reservoir Park. It will wind its way around the bayou and back up to the field at SCC for its finish.

The first male/female finishers (over 21) will each receive two tickets to the John Paul II Mardi Gras Gala Event to be held at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst on Feb. 9. This event is open to runners of all ages.

The Kids Fun Run, "Run for the Beads," will be held on the college's athletic fields beginning at 10:30 a.m. There will be two events, a 10-minute run for ages 7 and under, and a 20-minute run for ages 12 and under. The runners will receive a string of beads for each lap that they complete during the time allotted.

"Come out and show off your inner 'King Rex' or Mardi Gras joker," says a spokesman. "There will be prizes for the best costume and best mask. Since it is a school-sponsored event, there will also be a prize given for the best school spirit - no matter what school you attend. Let's see which of the local schools has more spirit."

Visit http://sandhills raceseries.com/race- calendar/mardi-gras-miles/.