Good Samaritan Center has found a home for this year’s 12ks for the Holidays: The Cedars, at 4145 Old Canton Road.

The race will be held Saturday, November 17 at 7:30 a.m. and the kids fun run will be at 9 a.m.

With the recent building on the green space next to Babalu Tapas & Tacos, Good Sam’s annual fundraiser lost their festival space and had to decide where to have their post-race fun.

“We originally thought about using the west side of Duling Street (between Morgan Place and State Street, an area closed during Fondren After 5),” said Good Sam Executive Director Kathy Clem. “But with all the ongoing construction, it didn’t seem like a good spot for this year.”

Bridge closures (on Hawthorne and Cavalier) also caused concern for the race route.

“With all this in mind, we thought the beauty, spaciousness and lovely green space of the Cedars (was a perfect location),” Clem said, calling the 175-year-old home and its grounds “a true gem in the Fondren community.”

Participants and volunteers will park across the street at St. Andrew’s Lower School. The start and finish will be in front of The Cedars with new routes for the 5k, 12k and the Fenelon Group Kids Fun Run.

“Without giving too much of the surprise away, (course map to be released soon), let’s just say that we will be taking out two stretches that worried us in regard to safety and adding more streets that showcase the beauty of the Fondren neighborhood. The course will increase in beauty and continue to be challenging (as our participants have come to appreciate).”

As registration opens for runners, Clem calls on non-runners to be a part of the event, too.

“We definitely need volunteers,” she said. “It takes over 125 ‘Santas Helpers’ the day of the race to course marshal the routes, oversee the after party and to help with the kids festival.”

If you would like to be a part of the event, The Good Samaritan Center still needs sponsors. Email Good Sam at 12k@goodsamaritancenter.org to inquire about those opportunities.Â