Running a Great Race!

Between rainfalls Friday morning, runners gathered to test their endurance while celebrating the blessing of health at the annual Run4Life 5K/Fun Run. After a few brief instructions, a brief prayer was offered. When the countdown ended, the group surged forward, and the 5K race was underway. For a time, the runners moved together as a unified herd; soon, however, variations in pace led them to disperse. Some maintained a steady rhythm, while others slowed down, and gradually the pack broke into smaller groups as each competitor worked to gain an edge.

Shortly after, a separate group assembled for the 1-mile Fun Run. There were a number of first-time runners ready to participate! For the 1 mile, Matthew Wickham crossed the finish line at 6:16. Having gotten second place last year, he was determined to win this time.

In the 5k race, a clear winner emerged when Aidan Kimbrl secured first place with an impressive finish time of 19:21. Aidan does not describe himself as a runner as it is not an activity he particularly enjoys. In fact, this is only his second 5k. He got roped into the 5k by Teagan Wightman, the third place winner who came in with a time of 20:16. The two young men are currently students at Fletcher Academy. Separating the two friends, Tryg Sorensen came in second place with a time of 19:29.

Whether or not you participated in the 5k or Fun Run, we are all runners in the race of life. In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on Jesus; the One who started our faith and sees it through to the end. Jesus ran His race with joy, even when that meant carrying the injustice of the cross and facing shame, pain, and death. But praise God that Jesus did not give up! Because of His endurance and steadfast love, we too get to share in His victory.

As we cheer on the winners and participants in this year’s race, remember that every one of us is on our own journey. And the best part? The prize in this race isn’t just for the person who comes in first. Jesus ran the race for us and won it. He did not keep the glory for Himself. He was not content to defeat sin, for His eyes were on the prize: you and me.

Jesus even reminds us of His unmatched authority when He says in Matthew 28:18 that all power in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. But He doesn’t stop at that. He calls us to join in His mission—to go out, make disciples, baptize, and teach everyone about His love, all with the promise that He’s with us every step of the way.

So, when you think about your own personal “5k”, remember that running with Jesus isn’t about competing for first place; it is about journeying with Jesus and the everlasting prize of His love.

—Benjamin Lawson

photos by Courtney Herod