Words by Cooper Kirkpatrick | Images courtesy of Amanda Cuomo Flanagan
Amanda Cuomo Flanagan was named the Overall Female Winner of the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Raised on the eastern shore of Maryland, Amanda and her family moved to Jasper, Alabama, during her 7th-grade year. Amanda shares that she faced some apprehension during the transition and initially struggled to find her place in her new school and community. Thankfully, the people of Jasper and the southern hospitality that lived in their hearts allowed Amanda to rest easy.
“It was definitely a huge culture shock for me. Seventh grade was rough!” she laughs. “But after that, I’ve loved Alabama. I love the people here, I love the climate, I like how friendly and welcoming everyone is, and that people really do embody southern hospitality—it’s a real thing.”
Following her 2015 graduation from Walker High School, Amanda attended The University of Alabama and graduated in 2019 with a degree in Biology and plans to follow in the footsteps of both of her parents and become a physician. Those plans took her to Mobile, Alabama, where she is now in her third year at the University of South Alabama’s Whiddon College of Medicine.
Amanda is pursuing a career in pediatric medicine and says she is motivated by a great admiration for children, particularly those she has worked with during her regular mission trips to Uganda. She feels blessed by her interactions with these children and believes that a career in pediatric medicine is the perfect avenue from which she can return the blessing.
Apart from her busy school schedule, Amanda finds joy in running as a pastime, which led to her participation in this year’s Tuscaloosa Half. She first learned of the race in early 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic led to the event’s cancellation. However, Amanda ran in the race the following years alongside her mother, Kimberly, using the experience to bond and grow closer as mother and daughter while fostering their shared love for running.
This year, Amanda’s husband, Teegan Flanagan, a fifth-year student of the University of South Alabama and NCAA collegiate runner, accompanied Amanda on her run, supporting Amanda in her endeavors every step of the way. During the run, Amanda remained steadfast and determined, her goals and aspirations taking the forefront of her mind. As she broke through the tape at the finish line and received her trophy, her family and countless members of the Tuscaloosa community cheered, congratulating her on a race well run.
Overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Tuscaloosa Half, Amanda is on the lookout for her next race, eager for a chance to beat her record and push herself in the name of passion. WL
