With fireworks to start the race and more booming throughout Jones Valley at midnight, runners and walkers greeted the new year at the second annual Run Into 2026 5K.
A roar went up as Megan Allan bolted through the sunlit back entrance to the Von Braun Center, just a few steps from her historic win in the 49th Rocket City Marathon.
Along with sticking to the plan and staying patient, runners in the 49th Rocket City Marathon had to stay mentally focused Sunday thanks to the brutally cold temperatures and wind.
Victor Kiprop and Leahrose Mami have lists of accolades longer than a Dollar General receipt. Both added to their honors Saturday morning in the 4th annual Rocket City Marathon 10K.
On a dark Sunday morning, cool wind in their hair, a hearty field sped along the Aldridge Creek Greenway and by the Tennessee River in the Ditto Landing 10K.