The second annual War Eagle Run Fest saw over 3,000 runners cross The Plains Feb. 26.
CONTRIBUTED BY FRESH JUNKIE RACING
AUBURN —
The 50-yard line of Jordan-Hare Stadium saw over 3,330 registered runners fly across on Sunday morning, Feb. 26, for the second annual running of the 2023 War Eagle Run Fest Half Marathon, 5K and Kid’s Mile.
Tiger fans, students, faculty and community experienced the glory of crossing the finish line right where Auburn football legends like Cam Newton and Bo Jackson did before them. Eric Brown of Auburn soared to secure the win of the men’s 5K in a time of 15:11.69. He was followed by Caden Meyer of Zeeland, Missouri, in second with 15:30.97 and Bremen, Alabama, native Jayden Allred in third with 15:47.12. The women’s 5K saw 17-year-old Chloe Helms of Eufaula, Alabama, securing the win in 19:32.82 followed by Lindsay Slemmons of Auburn in 20:20.44 and Julie Croushorn of Birmingham in 21:21.69. The Kid’s Mile offered Little Tigers a chance to get in on the action as over 250 registered runners blazed across the finish line. The annual 13.1-mile race took participants throughout Auburn University’s scenic campus which concluded in a victory for Madison, Alabama, native Josh Whitehead in the men’s race with a time of 1:11:31.69. Troy Adkinson of Vinemont, Alabama, took second in 1:16:03.79 followed by Joshua Clough of Spanish Fort, Alabama, in third in 1:17:29.88. The women’s victory was quickly taken by Allison Toppen with a time of 1:32:11.17 followed in pursuit by Kelsey Tucker in second with 1:34:02.45 and Kathryn Burrows in third in 1:35:24.39. All top three finishers in the women’s half marathon are Auburn natives.
After the race, participants traded their running shoes for dancing shoes as they enjoyed live music from the Blackberry Breeze Band, local-favorite Conecuh sausage dogs and other game-day favorites at the Post-Race Tailgate Party. This event was a collaborative effort between Auburn-Opelika Tourism, Auburn University and FreshJunkie Racing brought back to the great city of Auburn.
To view the results of the 2023 War Eagle Run Fest and for more information, visit https://www.wareaglerunfest.com/.
ABOUT FRESHJUNKIE RACING:
FreshJunkie Racing (FJR) is an endurance event production company specializing in road running races and triathlons. Currently, FJR produces 19 events annually: 12 in Louisiana, one in Mississippi, three in Alabama, two in Missouri and one in Florida. While 13 of the 19 events are company-owned events, FJR offers event services for organizations looking to outsource the production of their running race or triathlon. FreshJunkie Racing prides itself on attending to the small details. Because they matter. We are a production company made up of athletes that produces events for athletes. We know what it means to plan, train for and participate in events and we know what the small details are. From initial planning, permitting and overall event operations to graphic design, marketing and video production, we are a complete shop. We are exhaustive in our preparation and comprehensive in our execution so that athletes can participate in experiential events they will remember for years to come. For more info, visit www.freshjunkieracing.com/
