The Mission Inn, a prominent feature of Riverside attractions and a historic landmark known throughout Southern California, hosted its annual Mission Inn Run on October 22 and 23. For more than four decades, the run has been a staple of the community, bringing together residents, visitors, and athletes from across the region. Now in its 45th year, the Mission Inn Run continues to be more than just a sporting event. It stands as a cherished tradition and serves as an important fundraiser for the Mission Inn Foundation, which works to preserve and protect the rich history and legacy of the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa.
This year, one of the enthusiastic participants was UC Riverside MBA student Ahmad Alajaji, who is set to complete his degree in information systems in December. For Alajaji, joining the run was not just about athletic achievement, but also about celebrating his time at UC Riverside and closing out his final quarter with a meaningful experience. True to his tradition of proudly representing UCR, Alajaji wore a School of Business t-shirt as he ran through Riverside’s streets, highlighting his pride in his university and its community.
Running has long been an important part of Alajaji’s life. He and a close friend have trained and raced together in several long-distance events, creating shared memories and forging a lasting sense of camaraderie. Over the years, Alajaji has completed two Los Angeles marathons, the Rose Bowl half marathon, the Santa Monica Classic, and another marathon in San Francisco. Each race has given him not only the opportunity to challenge himself physically but also the chance to build connections with other runners and immerse himself in new environments.
When reflecting on the Mission Inn Run, Alajaji described the course as one of the most scenic routes he has experienced. Winding through Riverside’s historic downtown, the path showcases the best of the city’s cultural and architectural character. “I think anyone visiting should do the run,” he shared. “It is a beautiful route to travel and see the city.” His comments reflect how the Mission Inn Run provides participants with both a physical challenge and an opportunity to appreciate Riverside’s charm.
Beyond his passion for running, Alajaji has also left an impact on UC Riverside through his role as a student ambassador for the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management. In this capacity, he welcomed prospective students, shared his experiences in the MBA program, and represented the values of the School of Business. Alajaji often emphasizes how meaningful the program has been in shaping both his academic and personal growth.
Despite the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted learning environments for students everywhere, Alajaji found stability and encouragement within the UC Riverside community. His classmates offered constant support, collaborating on projects and helping one another succeed, while professors adapted their teaching approaches to meet the needs of students during uncertain times. Alajaji credits this environment of mutual care and resilience as one of the defining features of his MBA journey.
As his time at UC Riverside comes to an end, Alajaji reflects with gratitude on the experiences he has had and the relationships he has formed. He speaks especially highly of the diversity within the MBA program, noting how classmates from different cultural and professional backgrounds contributed unique perspectives and enriched class discussions. For Alajaji, this diversity was not only academically valuable but also personally inspiring, preparing him to enter a globalized workforce with cultural awareness and appreciation.
Looking forward, Alajaji plans to carry his pride for UCR and the School of Business throughout his career. Whether in his professional endeavors or his running pursuits, he intends to represent the values of excellence, resilience, and community that he has embraced during his time at UC Riverside. His story demonstrates how the Mission Inn Run, combined with the support of the MBA program, became a symbolic way to celebrate his final months as a student and prepare for the next chapter of his journey.