The 2nd Annual Tour de Ford 10-Miler, hosted by Georgia Game Changers Running Co., is scheduled for Sept. 23 at The Ford Plantation.

The first race, held in August 2016, drew 126 participants. More than half that number have already signed up for this year’s event and participation will be capped at 200 runners.

“We felt like we got a little bit of a late start in planning last year’s race, so we started early this year,” said Sandra Elliott, co-owner of Georgia Game Changers. “We also moved it back a month so the weather will be a little cooler.”

Proceeds from this year’s race will go to benefit the Richmond Hill High School band program. Elliott said band members will be located at various points along the route and will be playing their instruments as runners pass by.

Elliott said the cap on the number of runners is based on the amount of people that staff at The Ford Plantation thinks they can handle.

“That’s a lot of parking and logistics by the time you include volunteers, vendors and others,” she said.

She noted that a big draw for runners is being able to see the grounds of The Ford Plantation.

The multi-terrain race begins and ends in front of the main house, which was built as Henry and Clara Ford’s winter home in the 1930s. During last year’s 10-miler, runners were cheered on by residents along the course with water and sponge stations, and were greeted at the finish line by a cheering crowd. Finishers received a commemorative medal and cooling towel and were treated to a meal prepared by Ford Plantation chefs.

Entry fees for the race will increase each month, with final registrations being accepted Sept. 22. There will be no registrations allowed on race day. For more details, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/RichmondHill/TourdeFord10Miler or call Georgia Game Changers at (912) 445-2163.