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Double Decker Race Brings Top Mississippi Runners Together
Photo by Alexandria Paton.
The annual Double Decker Arts Festival has finally arrived in Oxford. The Double Decker 5 and 10K kickstart Saturday’s festivities featuring runners from around the country.
About 1500 people participated in Oxford’s 22nd annual spring run, which offers both locals and visitors a fun and healthy way to begin the festival.
Pam Swain is this year’s race director. Swain says each year’s race continues to be more successful than the last.
“We’re excited as a Chamber of Commerce to be a part of something that brings so many people into our community, and the locals out as well. Locals love this race. About 55 per cent of the people in our race are local and we have another percentage that’s from places like Tupelo,” said Swain.
A variety of sponsors set up booths at the finish line, providing runners with water and refreshments before and after the race.
“There’s a lot of the Run Tupelo group that comes over and is actually a part of the run Oxford club, so it’s good to see them here and support the locals, and help the town out in Oxford,” said Aaron Jennings of Trails and Treads Tupelo.
Runners in the 5K began crossing the finish line at about the 16-minute mark with Graham Farnsworth of Memphis winning first place. Each runner picked up a medal at the end.
Organizers introduced a new GPS chip system where runners can view their times immediately after the race online.
“This was the perfect way to start my day. I’m just ready to go check out all the booths, and get a lemonade and corndogs and just have a great day,” said race participant, Elise Jones of Oxford.
Daniel Caddigan of Columbus, Mississippi came in first place in the 10K finishing at 35 minutes and 40 seconds.
The hours of fun roll on with music performances throughout the evening featuring bands like Dr John and the Nite Trippers, and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, who are headlining this year’s festival.
Story contributed by Kelly Loggins and Alexandria Paton.
| Sat, Aug 31 |  | vs Furman | W, 76-0 |
| Sat, Sep 7 |  | vs Middle Tennessee | W, 52-3 |
| Sat, Sep 14 |  | @ Wake Forest | W, 40-6 |
| Sat, Sep 21 |  | vs Georgia Southern | W, 52-13 |
| Sat, Sep 28 |  | vs Kentucky | L, 20-17 |
| Sat, Oct 5 |  | @ South Carolina | W, 27-3 |
| Sat, Oct 12 |  | vs LSU | L, 29-26 (2 OT) |
| Sat, Oct 26 |  | vs Oklahoma | W, 26-14 |
| Sat, Nov 2 |  | @ Arkansas | W, 63-35 |
| Sat, Nov 16 |  | vs Georgia | W, 28-10 |
| Sat, Nov 23 |  | @ Florida | L, 24-17 |
| Sat, Nov 30 |  | vs Mississippi State | W, 26-14 |