Alligator Trot race director Karen Johnson said she hopes to have more than 200 racers for the 16th annual 5K road race and walk on June 18 in Florala.

Johnson said right now, there were about 140 people registered to take part in the race.

“I’m always hoping for a great turnout,” Johnson said. “I’m hoping it will be cooler, and that all the neighbors will have their sprinklers on.”

The trot is the only 5,000 meter run that takes place in two states in conjunction with the 141st Masonic Celebration.

“The businesses are getting excited because this is the busiest time of the year for Florala,” Johnson said. “People are coming in from Indiana and Georgia to take part.”

The run begins at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street, and the runners go around Lake Jackson into Florida and back into Alabama finishing at 916 Lake Dr. in Florala.

The pre-registration fee is $15, and race day registration is $20. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., the day of the race.

Awards will be given out to the first male and female masters (40+), grandmasters (50+) and senior grandmasters (60+).

Because there is a lot of interest from runners 70-and-over, Johnson said she has added a male and female great grandmaster running category.

First through third place finishes will be counted in the following age groups: male and female, 0-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 and up.

In the walkers category, awards will also be given for first through third place finishers in the following age groups: male and female, 0-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and up.

There is no running allowed in the walking category.

To record the running and walking times of each participant, Johnson said they will be using an all-new computerized system.

“The last couple years it’s gone flawlessly,” she said. “We’re going to try it this year. Everyone will have a bar code on their bib as they run past the finish line so the computer can process their times.”

Johnson said at the end of the race, runners and walkers will have a great “incentive” to finish.

“If it’s any incentive, we’re going to have a lot of ice cold watermelon waiting at the finish line,” she said.

To register for the trot, visit www.alligatortrot.com.