NORMAN, OKLA. (KOKH) — The University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit will start the 28th Annual Run to Dallas on Wednesday morning, marking the start of the Red River Rivalry tradition.
The NROTC Battalions from the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas will run the game ball from their campuses to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, ahead of the Oklahoma Sooners vs. Texas Longhorns game.
The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on the 50-yard line, with remarks from OU Head Football Coach Brent Venables. The ball will then be handed off to Midshipman First Class Mariah Gahl, the OU NROTC Battalion Commander, to start the two-day, 180-mile journey.
At least two Midshipmen will be running at all times during daylight hours, rotating with other Midshipmen who follow in support vans. The event highlights endurance, teamwork, and tradition. OU and Norman Emergency Services will also join the run.
Once they reach the Cotton Bowl, the Sooner Battalion will meet their counterparts from the University of Texas NROTC on the front steps. Each Battalion Commander will present their respective game balls to officials, which will be used in the Red River Rivalry game.
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