MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Union University alum and former women’s cross country standout, Audrey Hazlehurst Davis, finished first in the 2021 St. Jude Marathon Women’s event.
According to a press release from Steven Aldridge – Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Communication – Davis, a native of Jackson, Tennessee, and University School of Jackson graduate was the only female with a time under three hours.
She covered the 26.2 mile course in 2:59:38.
Davis’ time placed her 21st overall among men and women participants.
Davis said, “The St. Jude Marathon was extra special this year. I was determined to break three hours and while I prayed that it would be enough to win, I had no idea who would show up at the starting line. When I realized that I got first place, I almost broke down with excitement and exhaustion.
“St. Jude is one of the most inspiring races because you are running for those who cannot run for themselves. It’s a fight against cancer but it’s nothing compared to the fight that cancer patients endure. I have too many family and friends who have/are battling cancer and when I felt pain during the race, I thought of them and pressed on. Pushing through some pain is bearable when you ‘remember your why’. Praise God for the gift of running and the joy it brings me. I pray that I can use it to inspire others as I have been inspired and use it to glorify Him!”
Davis ran at Union from 2011-14, during the transition from NAIA to NCAA. As a freshman in 2011, Union’s last cross country season as a member of the NAIA, she led Union to a TranSouth Conference Title and a trip to the NAIA National Tournament. She was named first-team all-conference.
As a senior in 2014, Union’s first year as postseason eligible for GSC/NCAA, Davis led Union to the Gulf South Conference Title, a South Region third-place finish, and a trip to the NCAA National Championships. It was the first GSC Championship for any sport at Union. She was named first-team All-GSC, All-South Region, and was named to the GSC Honor Roll for the third straight year.
Audrey Hazlehurst Davis is married to Jared Davis, also a Union and USJ alum and baseball standout.
Current Union cross country head coach and a fellow cross country runner at Union, Bailey Bell said, “We are very proud of Audrey! She is a great representation of our school and program.”
Davis’s college coach, Gary Johnson, a 21-year head coach of Union cross country, said, “Seeing Audrey win this race is not a big surprise for those of us that have known her a long time and had the opportunity to coach her. She has been running the St. Jude races since she was a teenager and loves the atmosphere in Memphis at this specific race. Seeing the patients and raising money for their care is part of what makes running St. Jude such a memorable event. I am especially proud of Audrey for using her gift of running for the benefit of others. She was genuinely humbled in the moment and will cherish this win for the rest of her life. Audrey and Jared (her husband) are both fantastic ambassadors for Union University and we are proud to call them Union Bulldogs.”
Several current and former Union student-athletes participated in the different events.
(PHOTO: Audrey Hazlehurst Davis, a Union University alum placed first in the women’s in the 2021 St. Jude Marathon and 21st overall)
