War Eagle Run Fest Soars to Record-Breaking Sellout with 6,400+ Runners

February 27, 2026

5th Annual Celebration Drives Major Sports Tourism Impact for Auburn-Opelika

AUBURN, Ala. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 5th Anniversary of the War Eagle Run Fest has officially sold out, welcoming a record-breaking field of more than 6,400 runners to Auburn for one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing running events.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Auburn University, the milestone event marks five years of momentum, community pride, and destination-driven racing that has firmly established War Eagle Run Fest as a signature fall tradition in East Alabama.

“This is what happens when community, culture, and competition come together,” said Michael Wattigny, Marketing Director of FRESHJUNKIE Racing. “To see more than 6,400 runners choose Auburn for their race weekend is a testament to the spirit of this town and the power of this event.”

A Milestone Moment for Auburn

Since its inaugural race, War Eagle Run Fest has grown year-over-year, attracting runners from across Alabama and beyond. The 2026 sellout represents the largest field in event history, reinforcing its reputation as a premier collegiate-town race experience.

Participants will take on distances including the Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Mile, with courses highlighting Auburn’s campus landmarks, tree-lined streets, and finish line celebration.

More Than a Race

What began five years ago as a bold idea to create a race worthy of Auburn’s spirit has become a sellout celebration of fitness, pride, and community. For many runners, the event represents more than miles—it’s a weekend tradition, a reunion with friends, and a reason to return to Auburn year after year.

With registration closed at a record 6,400+ participants, organizers encourage spectators to line the course and join the community celebration.

Race weekend promises electric energy, thousands of runners crossing the finish line, and one resounding message echoing through Auburn:

War Eagle.

For more information about Auburn-Opelika Tourism, contact Travis Harrison at Travis@aotourism.com or call 334.501.3281

For more information about FRESHJUNKIE Racing contact Michael Wattigny at mike@freshjunkie.com or call 504.952.2899

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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.