Article by: Thomas Dean, Contributing Writer

Continuing a longstanding tradition held in the city of Mobile, the University of South Alabama Run Club competed in the 48th annual Azalea Trail Run on the morning of March 28, 2026. Featuring a variety of events and races, the club participated in both the 10K (6.2 miles) and the 5K (3.1 miles) in downtown Mobile. 

The inaugural Azalea Trail Run took place on March 11, 1978. While the downtown location and distance have remained the same throughout the race’s history, participation has continued to grow annually. According to Meghan Sandy, President of the Port City Pacers, the 2026 rendition welcomed approximately 2,500 racers from across the city, state, nation, and world, asserting the race as one of Mobile’s greatest assets for tourism and local engagement. 

The Azalea Trail Run is celebrated for its community vibe while sponsoring a unique blend of competition and celebration. Through a sponsorship with PNC Bank, along with various other collaborations, the Port City Pacers hosted a series of charitable donations that awarded $9,000 to local foundations and nearby non-profits. Echoing the togetherness aesthetics of the race, the majority of staff on race day are volunteers and earn nothing beyond the fulfillment of helping others. 

Thirty-six-year-old Will Kirkikis from New Orleans, Louisiana, was the winner of this year’s 10K with a time of 32 minutes and 56 seconds. The race record for the 10K was set by Kenya’s Abraham Chebii in 2001, having sprinted to a time of  27:26 seconds. 

Walker Reusser, a graduate student studying Environmental Engineering and member of the South Alabama Run Club, shared his thoughts following his completion of the 10K, “It was a great experience to be here on this beautiful Saturday, spending time with friends and fellow runners while enjoying an awesome race.” 

Per tradition, the 49th rendition of the Azalea Trail Run will take place on the fourth Saturday of March, landing on March 27, 2027. Additional details and a discounted early registration can be found at azaleatrailrun.org. 

Ashton Hutchinson finished 4th in his age group with a time of 48:06. Natalie Costanza finished 2nd in her age group with a time of 47:42.

Run Club Group Photo 2026.