I like to say my start to running began about eight years ago because who really needs to know the details of my short-lived stint on the track team in 7th grade? I started running in my neighborhood because it was a good form of exercise that didn’t take a lot of time, it was free, and I could literally walk out my front door and go. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself in the middle of a major move across two states where I knew very few people, so I began to attend the local fun runs in my town. As I spent more time running with groups rather than alone, my new friends talked of running 5ks, 10ks and even marathons. I had zero interest in all that comes with training properly for a race, but that didn’t last long. My competitive side took over and I started training harder. As a result, I began signing up for races weekend after weekend.
The thought of racing brings to mind a great event! The Double Decker Festival is just around the corner, and with that tradition comes the 23rd Annual Double Decker Spring Run. The Double Decker Spring Run features a 5k, 10k and a Kids’ Fun Run. This year’s race, hosted by the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce with Baptist as the presenting sponsor, will take place on Saturday, April 28th at 7:30am. It is a Start2Finish chip-timed run along a scenic course that takes you through the tradition-rich rolling hills of Oxford. Runners pass through the Ole Miss campus and by beautiful antebellum homes such as the historic home of William Faulkner. The Double Decker Run is an event that is well attended each year by a mix of avid runners, hoping to score some of the great prizes offered, as well as groups of Ole Miss students and local families out to enjoy a beautiful morning in Oxford. I can’t say enough about this race and how great the atmosphere is. It is definitely an event done right! Crossing that finish line is oh so sweet as timers announce each finisher by name. The medals are beautiful, and what better excuse to indulge in the after party food than to have just finished a run through the hilly terrain of Oxford? Did I mention the awesome participant t-shirts? The first 100 registrants will receive a tech shirt and all other registered participants will receive cotton t –shirt with a Double Decker Bus design. All participants will walk (or run) away with a swag bag full of goodies!
After the race, plan to stick around for a day full of arts, crafts, great food, and music at the annual Double Decker festival on the square. You don't want to miss this weekend of fun for the whole family. No matter your fitness level, this race is a great way to start your Saturday. Registration is going on now, so sign up today!
I hope to see you there!
