Tyler residents Akena Anucol, Lashanda Caldwell, Tikki Wideman, Jaela Wideman, Rianna Anegwon, Cassie Green, Amari Bell, Helena Wyckoff, Amaya White and Jalynn Oville enjoyed the Tyler Azalea Run because brings people together. (Raquel Villatoro/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

During the 42nd Annual Tyler Azalea Run, a record-breaking number of people of all ages gathered to participate on Saturday morning.

The Tyler Azalea Run was created in 1984 and features a 10K and 5K route through the city’s famous Azalea Trail.

2024 Tyler Azalea Run 5K winner Jose Valdez won the 5K for a second year in a row. To prepare for the race, Valdez ran 20 miles a week, did aerobics exercises and focused on eating healthy. He is proud of himself for putting in the effort and winning again.

“The people that came here today are mentally tough. This course is not easy, it has a lot of hills,” Valdez said. “I’m proud of myself and everybody that finished this, now in the 5K and the 10K, and everybody else that came (and) woke up this early in the morning just to come and see us run and support.”

First-time Tyler Azalea Run participant Nury Burnett also found the course challenging. However, she enjoyed seeing the view of the Azalea trails, the historical houses and the great weather.

“You get to see all the azaleas and people cheering on, you get to see so many people and it’s for a good cause, so I think that that makes it even better,” Burnett said.

In the past, Burnett has participated the FRESH 15 race. She enjoyed how intimate the Tyler Azalea Run felt. She walked the 5K with friends and was able to enjoy the scenery.

“It feels like you’re running with your neighbors,” Burnett said.

In its 42nd year, participation for the Tyler Azalea Run has grown since the previous year. This year they had 100 kids participate and 850 people in the 5K and 10K. This marks their biggest year yet, organizer Megan Riaz said.

“I think it’s just special that some of these guys — especially these older guys — they’ve been doing it for that long,” Riaz said. “I think it’s the community having something that people can come out and participate in as a family, something healthy.”

Family and friends enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with participating in the run. Tyler resident Lashanda Caldwell came to the run with friends and they found having people to hold you accountable helps with the run.

For over 20 years, the Tyler Azalea Run and the Children’s Village have partnered to donate the funds raised to the Children’s Village. The Children’s Village works to keep siblings together who would be separated if they were in foster care.

During the kids run, Children’s Village Executive Director Matt Rogers ran alongside Children’s Village kids. Two of the kids who ran have been with them for two and a half years. In addition, three kids that recently moved in participated in the run. They also had Children’s Village alumni participate in the run.

“So we get to see decades of Children’s village connections running in this race every year,” Rogers said.

In addition to high participation, the run also maxed out with sponsorships.