More than 300 people have registered for this week’s Chigger Chase.

The annual Regional Park Authority fundraiser will be on Saturday, starting with a children’s run at 4:45 p.m. There will also be a 5K run and a one-mile fun run.

“Things are going great,” Trustee Mary Kate Wilson said. “We are just hoping for good weather and ready for everyone to come out, be festive, and have a good time.”

Wilson said there was a surge in registration leading up to the T-shirt deadline. There has also been a strong number of registrations since the deadline. Wilson attributed that to people waiting to see how the weather would turn out.

The event will be complete with a fitness instructor from The Ardmore Family YMCA, who will help people warm up before the race. Sponsors will have tables set up with a few giveaway items. Girls on the Run will also celebrate the end of its season during the 5K.

Parks and Rec Director Teresa Ervin said the mascot race will return this year with bragging rights on the line. Rowdy, The Clubhouse mascot and the Ardmore Police Department mascot will be in the race along with mascots from Citizens Bank and Chick-fil-A. The Ardmore Tiger and Wilson Eagle mascot will also be participating along with a possible dark horse as the new Southern Oklahoma Technology Center mascot throws its hat into the ring. The Chigger will also be on-hand to oversee the festivities.

Wilson said as the Chigger Chase serves as the Regional Park Authority’s major fundraiser. Funds are collected over a couple of years to fund a big capital improvement.

Those wanting to register for the race can still do so, visit chiggerchase.net, where it will redirect you to the registration site. The cost for the children’s run is $15. The 5K and one-mile fun run cost is $30. Registration will be open until 4:15 p.m. Saturday.

Regional Park will be closed to traffic leading to the 5:30 p.m. race. It will be reopened at 7:30 p.m. for the Festival of Lights.