21 Little Red River Run VICTORY LAP On Aug. 19, students pose at the Little Red River after running there. Some students chose to swim across to the other bank for an additional challenge. Photo courtesy of Scarlet Davis Students celebrate the start to the semester with race to the Little Red River. On Aug. 19, a group of students ran together to the Little Red River. The event took place on the first day of class, dictated by the standing tradition of hosting the run on the first day of each semester. Many students woke up early and ran 3.3 miles to the river–a perfect 5k. “There’s a group chat that’ll get active a few days before school starts, and it’ll notify everybody,” senior Barton Erwin said. Approximately 150 students participated, which was the largest turnout since the establishment of the tradition. “This year was probably the biggest turnout we’ve ever had,” Erwin said. “Even Mike Williams was there at the very end.” To start the run, the students met in front of Allen Hall. Everyone was allowed to participate–freshmen through seniors and both men and women. This run was one of the first events to happen on campus for all ages to participate in. It generated buzz and excitement to start the school year. “If you’re an incoming freshman and you just don’t know anyone or if you’re an upperclassman that wants to meet people, it’s the first social event that anyone can go to on campus,” sophomore Fletcher Stobaugh said. This tradition helped many students get involved with activities on campus, and they remained determined to continue the tradition for years to come. “It’s been going on for over five years now,” Erwin said. “I would say, if it wasn’t a tradition now, it’s gotta be.” Getting more and more people involved in the making of a tradition known on campus helped to create a sense of community. I’m not a massive runner, but I know the running community is positive and holds others up,” Stobaugh said. Those who ran agreed that participating in growing tradition made it worthwhile to wake up early. “It is fun to see people that don’t really run and all struggle together,” Stobaugh said. “We always do it together.” Even though students enjoyed the run itself, the memories that stood out lasted well beyond the run. “[I will always remember] the car ride back, with all the seats filled,” sophomore Emma Gaskill said. “All the windows were down, and the sun was rising.” The regular runners of this biannual race were determined to maintain the tradition for up-and-coming students. “So now, pass it onto the next guy,” Erwin said. “Just keep it going for as long as it can possibly go.” Written by Aubrey Hudkins Little Run Red River
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