A long-established and well-loved tradition will again take to the streets of Greenwood on Saturday, Sept. 17. The annual 300 Oaks Road Race offers four tiers of competition for a range of runners and walkers, promising a day of fun for everyone.
Beth Stevens, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said 300 Oaks is a chance for Greenwood to shine in the eyes of visitors and offer people a chance to mingle and get to know each other.
“We’re excited to have it,” Stevens enthused. “This is the 42nd year for the event, and it is one of the state’s three oldest road races.”
A lengthy stretch of the race, named for the original 300 oak trees planted in North Greenwood, is on Grand Boulevard. The route takes participants through those quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods.
“We’ve changed some routes over the years, just to keep things fresh,” said Stevens. “Many local folks participate, but we also have people from all over the state and region.”
The 10k run starts at 8 a.m., the 5k run at 8:10 a.m., and the 1-mile Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. A 5k walk begins at 8:15 a.m.
Each course takes participants through various parts of Greenwood. The 10k will take runners along the Rail Spike Park trail, which connects the Farmers Market with the hospital area. “We wanted to showcase that cool trail,” Stevens shared.
Water stations will be available along the routes. The race will begin and end at the Yazoo River Boat Landing at 200 E. Claiborne Ave.
Stevens said several hundred people typically participate each year. “Everyone knows about the race and loves it,” she said. “Our hospitality keeps them coming back. Greenwood is also a fun town for shopping and eating.”
The race is an opportunity for camaraderie among families, workmates, or anyone who wants to form a team.
“You need five people to form a team,” Stevens noted.
The 1-mile fun run will be for kids to douse each other with packets of differently-colored powders, creating a spectacular scene as they take off on their route. The Color Run was unfortunately not part of the 2021 race due to pandemic-related issues.
“We are glad to have that back,” Stevens said.
Packet pickup will be Friday, Sept. 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, 1815 U.S. 82W. Packets will also be available at 6:30 a.m. Saturday at the boat landing.
Stevens said goodie bags with the packets include the all-important race number containing a scannable chip that tells judges what place each contestant finishes. Contestants must pick up their packet.
Following the race, refreshments will be available at the boat landing area. For more information, contact 662-453-4152.
Contact Dan Marsh at 662-581-7235 or dmarsh@gwcommonwealth.com.
