HARTFORD, Ala (WDHN) — This year, the 45th annual Winston Howell Race in Hartford on March 4 will go to benefit two staples in the town.

The well-known Wiregrass race will benefit Geneva County High School Future Business Leaders of America and the McGregor-McKinney Public Library.

Registration for the race starts at 7:00 a.m. and the race will start at 9:00 a.m.

The 3.1-mile race will begin at the Johnny Hughes Center at 405 South Third Avenue, then go north up Third Avenue, right (east) on Highway 51, left (north) on Newton Street, left (west) on Highway 123, cross the north side of the Hartford City square, continue on Commerce Street, left (south) on Eighth Avenue, left (east) on Highway 52, right (south) on Third Avenue, and the finish will be back at the Johnny Hughes Center.

There are 15 age groups included in the race:

The early registration fee is $20 for ages 19 and over, and $15 for ages 18 and under. The fee after February 16 will be $25 for ages 19 and over and $20 for ages 18 and under.

Those mailing their entry form and check can send them to Winston Howell, 200 S 8th Ave., Hartford, AL 36344.

Those dropping off entry and checks can go to McGregor-McKinney Public Library, 101 E Fulton Street, Hartford, AL 36344.

T-shirts will be given to all those who enter. A trophy will be given to the overall male and female winners. Medals will be given to Male and Female Masters (40-49); Male and Female Grand Masters (50-59); Male and Female Senior Grand Masters (60-69); Great Grand Masters (70 and Up); Top 3 Male and Female in each age group; Top 3 Male and Female walkers.

Nick Costas, a 1956 Olympian, and Winston Howell founded the Wiregrass Road Racing program in 1976. Since 1959, Howell has raced over 41,000 miles and is a 2016 Inductee to the Wiregrass Sports Hall of Fame.

For additional information, you can contact Winston Howell at (334) 449-0754, or Stephanie Riley at (334)588-2384 or librarydirector@hartfordpubliclibrary.org.