Words by Logan Fowler | Images by Al Blanton
Gavin Blackwell never planned to become a distance runner. At an early age, he invested his time in gymnastics and baseball, though he was not particularly fond of either sport. But in the seventh grade, it was cross country that caught his eye – merely by happenstance.
Like many middle schoolers eager to find their footing, Blackwell and his friends decided to try something new as they prepared for high school. “I have no idea how I got started,” Blackwell said. “I just know a bunch of my friends and I ended up signing up for the cross-country team, and we’ve been doing it ever since.”
Blackwell’s first race, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, left a lasting impression on him, though it certainly was not a pleasant one.
“I remember I went into the race and I absolutely hated every second of it,” he admits.
Still, he stayed persistent. What began as a reluctant commitment slowly evolved into a passion, such that by his senior season, he had blossomed into one of Jasper High School’s most accomplished runners. He qualified for the state meet in his final year as a Viking and placed 14th in the state at the 2025 AHSAA 6A Boys 5000-meter run finals, held in Oakville, Ala.
“I like the endurance part of it,” Blackwell said. “It’s more of just you out there. Even if you’re not able to win the race, you’ve always got something to compete for – whether it’s doing your best on that course, setting your personal best, or just pushing yourself to the limit.”
The process to become such a storied runner did not come easily. Blackwell endured demanding training regimens—including long summer runs through unforgiving Alabama heat, which often proved more grueling than race day itself. The offseason, Blackwell says, is where confidence is earned.
“I put the race into chunks,” he said. “As long as I can get to the next part, I’m good.”
Blackwell credits much of his development to his coach, John Armstrong, a former runner himself who has shaped Blackwell both on and off the course.
“He’s helped me grow socially, athletically, and as a person,” Blackwell said.
Off the course, Blackwell prioritizes recovery and taking care of his body, and Bowen Family Chiropractic in Jasper has become a staple of his recovery routine.
“They’ve changed my running completely,” Blackwell said. “I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am right now without them.”
As his senior year winds down, Blackwell’s accomplishments extend beyond the course. He scored a 32 on his ACT, carries a 4.5 GPA, and plans to pursue a degree in engineering in college. He says the discipline he has developed as a runner has helped prepare him academically.
“Just stay focused on studying and be patient, and things will eventually come,” Blackwell said.
As graduation approaches, he takes one lesson from running above all.
“Have fun when doing hard things,” Blackwell said. “Be able to see the joy in little things and have fun through everything.” WL
