AUBURN — The War Eagle Run Fest will pit the Auburn and Opelika chambers of commerce against each other when the race returns in February, and both sides will raise money for charity in the process.
Organizers unveiled the new War Eagle Run Fest Chamber Challenge at a press conference inside Jordan-Hare Stadium on Monday, Sept. 14. Beginning Oct. 13, businesses belonging to either chamber can form teams and register under their chamber’s banner. For every Chamber Challenge entry, $5 goes to a local charity chosen by that chamber.
Finish times won’t decide it alone: teams will also be recognized for turnout and spirit, in categories such as best dressed and most enthusiastic. “We really want to make this the true corporate chamber challenge of the Auburn-Opelika area,” said Mike Wattigny, marketing and creative director for FRESHJUNKIE Racing, which produces the event with Auburn-Opelika Tourism and Auburn University.
Auburn Chamber President and CEO Anna Hovey said her members “are going to get out and support this like they do anything else,” while Opelika Chamber Vice President Mackenzie Poole said the race is built for newcomers as much as seasoned runners — two of her staff members ran their first 5K at last year’s event. The race drew more than 2,500 runners in its 2022 debut, well past the 1,000 organizers expected, and has grown every year since.
Source: The Opelika Observer
Opelika Daily News — Midweek Report, Sept. 16, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
