Hazel Green Youngsters Run This Beach 2026

On a windy morning along the Alabama coast, runners lined up in Gulf Shores for the annual “We Run This Beach” race, a RunningLane event and certified Boston Marathon Qualifier known for its flat, fast course. With ideal racing conditions (other than the wind) and a reputation for quick times, both the half and full marathon fields were primed for strong performances. Among the competitors were two young runners from Hazel Green who were ready to make history in the half marathon.

Eight-year-old Brooklyn Wood set her sights on the Alabama age-group record of 2:46:31, a mark that had stood since 2017. From the start, Brooklyn ran with confidence and determination, quickly settling into a steady rhythm. By the time she crossed the finish line in a stunning 1:41:13 (7:43 per mile pace), she had not only broken the record — she had shattered it by over an hour, delivering one of the most remarkable youth performances the event has seen.

Not to be outdone, ten-year-old Logan Wood also targeted the state age record of 1:33:06, which had stood since 2009. Running with focus and grit, Logan executed a strong race from beginning to end. He surged through the final miles to finish in an impressive 1:29:07 (6:48 per mile pace), taking nearly four minutes off the previous record and cementing his place in the record books.

The race also became a family effort. Logan was paced by his older brother, Troy Wood, who stayed by his side throughout the course and finished just one second behind him in 1:29:08, letting his younger brother take the family win. Brooklyn began the race alongside her mother, Brittany Wood, but after the two-mile mark she confidently pulled ahead and never looked back. Brittany continued on to a fantastic 1:45:26 (8:03 per mile pace) finish, claiming first place in her age group.

With performances like these, the Wood family is clearly building something special. If this race is any indication, the Trojans — and the local running community — may be witnessing the early rise of future cross country and track stars. Outstanding effort and a memorable day on the Gulf Coast for the entire Wood family.