The War Eagle Run Fest Welcomed Runners Celebrating the Auburn Spirit!

February 26, 2025

AUBURN, AL. (February 26, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/— The War Eagle Run Fest soared to new heights this past Sunday, welcoming a record-breaking crowd of over 4,000 runners who crossed the iconic 50-yard line of Jordan-Hare Stadium. The event held three events: a half marathon, 5K, and the popular Kid’s Mile presented by Allen Turner of Toyota.

The morning kicked off with the highly anticipated half marathon, where three-time winner Josh Whitehead of Madison, Alabama, blazed across the finish line with a winning time of 1:11.57. The competition was fierce, with Thomas Vo of Fort Benning, Georgia securing second place at 1:12.38. and Brody Church of Hoover, Alabama rounding out the podium with a time of 1:15.27.

In the women’s half marathon, Johanna Ehrhardt of Mobile, Alabama, emerged as the champion, clocking an impressive 1:23.27. Hannah Dyal of Jericho, Vermont, followed closely behind, earning second place at 1:27.47, while Anneleen Swanepoel of Auburn, Alabama secured third place with a time of 1:31.47.

The 5K race witnessed David Layfield of Alexander City, Alabama, sprinting to victory in a remarkable 15:58.33. Heath Varmette from Huntsville, Alabama claiming second place at 16:04.21 and Evan Farry of Wilsonville, Alabama taking third place at 16:35.17.

Luci Williams of Birmingham, Alabama, dominated the women’s 5K, crossing the finish line in 18:36.93. Juliana Wright from Brentwood, Tennessee, earned second place at 20:37.70, and Julie Croushorn from Birmingham, Alabama, completed the podium at 20:48.11.

The War Eagle Run Fest supports the Run Gulf Coast Foundation as the official charity partner working to improve access to healthy living and movement

This event is a collaboration between Auburn-Opelika Tourism and FRESHJUNKIE Racing, supporting running and community spirit in Auburn.

For more information and to view official race results please visit: https://www.wareaglerunfest.com/

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ABOUT FRESHJUNKIE RACING:

FRESHJUNKIE Racing (FJR) is an event production company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Producing events since 2010, FJR manages, markets, and produces 14 events annually across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Creating memorable experiences for 50,000 participants annually, the events produce over $15 Million in economic impact in the communities and $2.7 Million in charitable impact.

For more info visit: freshjunkieracing.com

About Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Auburn-Opelika Tourism is a non-profit service organization driving economic impact and improving the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel. For more information, visit aotourism.com.

Contact:  

Mike Wattigny, Marketing Director | mike@freshjunkie.com | (504) 952-2899
Caroline Cardinal, Communications Associate | pr@freshjunkie.com | (985) 302-1538