The 23^rd Annual Corinth, MS Coca-Cola Classic 10K Run was held Saturday, May 1 on an overcast, humid day.  The approximately 550 runners took off at 8:30 a.m. from downtown Corinth on a U.S.A. Track & Field certified course that passed through civil war history landmarks over winding, hilly streets in the downtown sections.  The group of runners included me, Burtch Davis and my sister, Sandra Ford of New Albany.  The water stations were excellent.  There were at least six, maybe more.  Because of competition, the water stations had themes and often handed out wet, cold rags and ice.  The refreshments at the finish line were provided by Coke, Golden Flake Chips, Planters, VSA, Nestle, Lance, M & M Mars, Hershey, B H & B Foods, Cockrell Banana, Alliant Food Service, PYA Monarch Food Co., Briggs, Sysco, Sara Lee and Vend Service.  It was the largest menagerie of free snack food I have ever seen in one place!  I downed M&M’s, Hostess Cupcake, peanuts, Diet Coke, Dasanni Water, oranges and orange juice.  Afterwards Burtch and I went to the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast with tickets received from a co-worker.  I was well fed when I left Corinth.

            All finishers received a specially designed medallion and women finishers also received a long stemmed carnation. Age group trophies designed as Coca-Cola Bottles mounted on dark wooden bases were given five deep.  Also $3,750 in prize money was given to the first five finishers ($600, $330, $200, $125, $100) in male and female divisions.  The Masters Overall male and female winners received a cash ($200) award.  Champion Chip Scoring was used.

            Many door prizes were given.  Most were $25 gift certificates to a local business or Coca Cola memorabilia.  Boxes of t-shirts, coupons, water bottles, frisbees, and other stuff was thrown out into the crowd. 

            This was a great race.  The race organizers and sponsors did an excellent job.  The numerous volunteers and the Coca Cola distributer (Mr. Williams) made this race a success.  I would recommend any member make a special trip to Corinth to participate in this event and visit the Civil War sites (that include Shiloh) while in the area.

            For a complete list of results go to www.corinthcoke.com.

Submitted by Martha Ray Sartor