"Murph,” the beloved bunny who lives in "Murphry's Burrow," will once again serve as spokesbunny for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon's Fun Run on Saturday, October 15th, now known as Murph’s Fun Run.

 "I am so 'hoppy' to be the face of the Murfreesboro Fun Run again this year," Murph said. "I try to stay healthy and to let children know how important it is to eat right and get plenty of exercise.”

 The 1-mile race is open to children ages 6-13 and will start immediately after the last runner crosses the starting line at The Murfreesboro Half Marathon, at approximately 7:10 a.m. Registration fee is $15 per child.

 “The 1-mile fun run is not timed and you are only competing against yourself.  It does not matter if you trained or not, kids that are active can run one mile,” said Charles Apigian, Murph’s Fun Run race coordinator

 New to this year’s Fun Run is the implementation of a wave start to ensure safety of all runners. The first wave is for ages 10-13, followed by runners ages 6-9.

Because this is a fun run, children can dress in wacky attire, whether it’s bunny ears, a frilly tutu or silly face paint. Be sure the attire is safe for running, though. The child with the most spirit will be given a special “Spirit Award.” All participants will receive a souvenir T-shirt and medal.

 To add to safety precautions, volunteers will line the race course and medical personnel will be on hand as well.

 The course begins in the Greenland Drive parking lot at MTSU, goes up and down a portion of Old Lascassas Highway and finishes on the track at MTSU's Dean Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium.

 “Murph's Fun Run is more than just a run, it is a celebration of physical activity for our youth. Kids will receive the normal goodies that come with a race – popsicles, water and other healthy refreshments, and we also will have a fun area for all kids to play after they finish,” Apigian noted.

 There will be inflatables, face painting, and balloon animals. And of course, children are encouraged to stick around and cheer on half-marathon finishers.

 You can register online at www.themiddlehalf.com, and there is also a downloadable registration form which can be turned into Fleet Feet Sports, 544 N. Thompson Lane. Registration is also available on race day.

“Kids love running with other kids. That is why a fun run is such a great event.  It gives kids an opportunity get excited about exercise and good exercise habits that can last their whole life,” Apigian said.