100 marathons

When civil Engineer Bob McNaught labored for five hours to complete his first marathon (26.2 miles) in Boston in 1988, he had no idea that he would ever try that "caper" again. Three years later, he almost halved his Boston time in a marathon in Berlin, which that year was celebrating the joy of a newly undivided city.

On April 17, 2000, Bob completed his hundredth marathon (and his thirteenth Boston race) in under three hours, and afterward told us that he planned to keep running marathons for as long as he enjoys the challenges. "For me, there's nothing quite like the thrill of finishing races and running them in faraway places."

These "places" include six continents, all fifty US states and the District of Columbia, and eight Canadian provinces and territories. Bob has also run in his hometown of Brisbane, Australia. He now lives in Bellingham, in the state of Washington.

"But, you know, I've never run alone," continues Bob. "I have always felt God's presence with me, and there have been many moments when I have really needed to know the true source of my strength.

"For example, during my Boston run this year, a cold, strong headwind made the going tougher than usual, and after twenty miles my legs got unbearably sore. So I focused on the Bible verse 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me' [Phil.4:13] instead of on the pain, and that helped me maintain a strong pace to the finish.

"I'm so grateful to have been brought up with a good grounding in the Scriptures. I have a reservoir of helpful thoughts right at my fingertips—or should I say my toetips—as I run. Even the simplest and most familiar passages come to my rescue time and again.

"Another one is, '... they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint' [Isa. 40:31]. That is just made for runners!"

Spiritual preparedness

We asked Bob how his hundredth marathon had differed from his first.

"I remember clearly how nervous I was the first time! It was a tentative, unprepared venture into the unknown. But with so little training, I knew I couldn't rely on material preparedness. Spiritual preparedness was what counted.

"Ninety-nine marathons later; I'm beginning to understand what these races are all about. They teach us many of the lessons we need to learn to advance spiritually in our lives; among them, that nothing worthwhile and meaningful is achieved without self-discipline and persistence—qualities that I believe are best nurtured through prayerful reliance on God. Actually, God alone takes the steps with us and helps us across the finish line. And this partnership sets us on the road to lots of little victories.

"One of these 'victories' occurred when I tripped over a tree root during a race and injured my ankle. I really had to put my foot down—if you'll excuse the pun!—and, right then and there, firmly deny the fear and pain as not being part of my true, spiritual identity as a child of God. The pain vanished almost immediately, and I was able to complete the last ten miles to the finish."

Joys of running

"Then there are the joys of running itself, which never cease!" says Bob. "Many people of senior years are enthusiastic runners and find spiritual rewards in the time they spend on their favorite running paths. One man I've met, who is now in his seventies, has run several hundred marathons. And there's the inspiring example of Johnny Kelley, Sr., who won the Boston marathon twice, came in second seven times, and was still running the race in his eighties!

"Even people who aren't runners come out to enjoy marathons. This gives us a real lift! And our hearts are always touched by children along the course who hand us cups of water or orange slices as we speed by. The kids are really thrilled when we accept their offerings.

"I also enjoy meeting people of different backgrounds and nationalities, all facing a common challenge and supporting each other during the event. I recall a runner in a Bermuda marathon who stopped worrying about his own finishing time in order to help a young woman who was about to give up. He stayed with her, encouraging her to the finish line. A real example of unselfish, brotherly love. And there are the wheelchair entrants, who demonstrate extraordinary courage in overcoming limitation."

What Bob modestly overlooked during our conversation was the indisputable satisfaction of being first to cross the finish line. He has won three marathons in his comparatively short career, with several second-and third-place finishes.

"That is a joy, yes, but less important, I think, than gaining dominion over life's challenges. And it seems they never stop coming—particularly the belief in aging, which shouldn't restrict us. We've all got to overcome age-based stereotypes. I expect to grow in thought and activity, and see no reason not to be running for many more years. Running is something I enjoy very much, and the fulfillment and growth it brings are an added bonus."