Coke 10k has been "pounding the pavement" since 1982, which makes May 1st, 2021 our

40th Anniversary! 

We would like to share with you our current thoughts on Coke 10k’s 40th Running.  Let me also add quickly that these thoughts are NOT firm, but it is what we are striving for.

We are EXCITED to let you know that there are indeed plans to have an IN-PERSON EVENT ON MAY 1st! As always, we have magnificent shirts, with another really cool, professionally created race design.

That being said, it will be different from the past as we try to insure everyone feels safe about being back TOGETHER … however, we will continue to offer a Virtual option for those who aren’t close enough, or don’t feel comfortable, to join us in person.

 Our current plans for the “Live” race on May 1st.

The field will be limited, likely to 1,000 or so, rather than our usual cap of 1,500 participants.  We anticipate a ‘rolling start’ at our newly certified start line on Foote Street, located not far from the finish line, with a socially distanced chute stretching back down Polk Street. This means there won’t be a need for crowding to start “at the gun” … but rather your time will start as soon as you cross the start line anytime between 7:30 and 8:00am. The course will close at 10:00, so even the last person across the start line @ 8 will have the traditional two hours to finish.

We ask that you adhere to all health/safety regulations, including a social distanced start & masks until you cross the start line (we will have supplies available).

Volunteers will provide traffic control at most, but not all, of the intersections – barricades will be at other intersections, meaning you will need to be observant. There will be two validation timing mats on the course including one with video surveillance. You will need to cross these mats as well as the start and finish line mats in order to have an official time. As usual, all timing will be CHIP TIMED!

We plan to have announcers and DJ music for a FUN atmosphere, but there will be no pre-race or postrace festivities (live band or throw-outs) … again, to insure there is no crowding without social distancing. Prize money will be awarded for the live race ONLY … Overall 1st thru 3rd and Age Groups 1st thru 5th places. Awards will be distributed via drive-by from the front porch of the Corinth Coke Museum approximately one hour after the course closes.

You can switch from Live to Virtual (or vice versa) up until timing begins for the Virtual event … which will be Saturday, April 24th. Virtual timing will close Saturday, May 1st @ 3 p.m CDT. *Please note, due to the nature of virtual results being reliant on dependable cell service and honesty, there will be no awards, trophies or prize money for Virtual participants.

Since volunteers still aren’t allowed in the schools to implement our Kids Get Fit program, the local Lighthouse Foundation (a 501-C3 organization) will be our race charity recipient. They will utilize the funds to enhance a physical fitness program for the youth they serve this summer.

This is all of course our “best guesstimate”😊 No one wishes things could be like they were more than us … but we’re trying hard to make “lemonade out of lemons” for our 40th anniversary of Coke 10k … and we hope you will join us!  Our certified course is tree-lined and runs through some of the most beautiful residential areas in Corinth, MS; beginning and ending in our historic downtown district. It has been listed in Running Times as "One of the Great 100 Short Races" and is currently the largest 10k race in MS.  

We look forward to showering you with Mississippi hospitality May 1st and add a few more Miles of Smiles to your running log!