Another Win For Mrs. Christy
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Twin brothers Tristan Bryan, left, and Sam Bryan, both of Oxford, race toward the finish line Saturday. Tristan won in a course-record time of 8:12, while Sam finished second in 8:15. Kiplin Loprinzi, also of Oxford and not pictured, placed third in 8:20.
By Edee Henderson
Reporter
WATER VALLEY – The annual BankFirst Watermelon 3k Run/Walk was held early Saturday morning, and it is certainly one to remember. Not only was a new course record set by Tristan Bryan with an incredible time of 8:12, but also the race had the most participants, 396. This race is a tradition filled with friendship, competition, and the only place you may find dogs racing people to cross the finish line.
The race kicked off at 7:30 am in front of Magnolia Eye Clinic, and it did not take long for the participants to show up at the finish line.
Three brothers, Tristan, Sam, and Charles Bryan were neck and neck racing to the finish line. Tristan, the male winner, ended up breaking a course record with Sam right behind him.
The brothers said they return each year because of Christy Mayo, a lifelong Water Valley resident and cancer survivor who first introduced them to the race about five years ago when they visited her at the dentist office.
Now they make it their mission every year to show up for her, run for her, and win for her. Sam has crossed the finish line first three times in prior years, including in 2024 with a time of 8:59.
“It will always be for Mrs. Christy, she’s the reason we come out here every year and give it our all, she is so strong in her battle,” they reported.
Hazel Dawson (above), 13, of Oxford races to the women’s title Saturday with a winning time of 10:45. Grace Corbin, 15, of Batesville finished second in 11:03, while Hartley Loprinzi, 12, of Oxford, placed third in 11:16.
Hazel Dawson was the female winner coming in at 10:45, she is only 13 years old and flew through the course! This was Hazel’s first time running the Watermelon race, when spoken to, she noted she did not expect to be a winner, but ultimately was excited she got to show off her speed. Hazel also mentioned she loved having the competition she did, and it helped her push to the finish line.
As the weekend comes to an end, we look back on Water Valley’s favorite time of the year, times of fellowship, meeting new people, racing, and eating tons of watermelon.
