Covington is known for its picturesque scenes and iconic square with the courthouse and nearby church steeples reaching skyward.

Covington First United Methodist Church is offering a great way to see those historic sights for a good cause Saturday.

The Covington First UMC 3rd Annual Steeple Chase kicks off at 8 a.m. with a 1-mile Fun Run, followed by a 5K at 8:30 a.m.

The Steeple Chase brings hundreds of runners, not only through the Covington square but also past three church steeples, hence the race's title.

The route begins in front of Covington First UMC, down Conyers Street to Legion onto the Brook Haven subdivision.

The route then comes back on Conyers Street, turning left on Deering toward Floyd Street through the square.

After a left turn by First Presbyterian, runners will come back to the square and finish at Covington First UMC.

"Runners say it's a great route," said Claudia Minge of Covington First UMC.

If the first two years are any indication, then there will be around 500 runners enjoying the route this year.

In its inaugural year, the Steeple Chase was run by a couple hundred runners, before increasing to between 300 and 400 runners last year.

Registration for this year's event is still open and available at covingtonfirst.org.

Cost of registration is $18 with all proceeds going toward local missions and Relay for Life. Entrants will receive a T-shirt and other items.

All runners under 12 years old will receive a ribbon of participation. First, second and third place awards will be given in all the standard age groups and awards will be given to the overall male and female winners.

"It's a part of our Change the World Day," Minge said. "The whole purpose of the day is to raise money for local missions. The whole day is about local missions and awareness of services that are provided in our community."