Events
Johnny's Impossible Mile - Only
Combo Run Johnny's Impossible Mile and 5K
Place
Ada, MI US 49301
Description
Hi!
My name is Johnny Agar, and I have the privilege of serving as Race Director for the 5th Annual St. Patrick Parnell Festival 5K—Johnny’s Run.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an athlete. Living with cerebral palsy made that dream feel out of reach at times. Wheelchair sports weren’t an option for me, and there were moments when it felt like there simply wasn’t a place where I fit. But a few years ago, my dad changed everything—he started pushing me in road races so I could experience what it felt like to be part of something bigger.
Those races lit a spark in me. Watching others push through their own challenges made me wonder… what if I could too?
In 2013, at the St. Patrick Parnell Festival 5K, I set out to do something that once felt impossible—I finished a race on my own two feet, using my walker, after only ever walking 23 steps. It took me one hour and forty-five minutes, and every step meant something. That day didn’t just change what I believed was possible—it changed my life.
What started as an “Impossible Mile” has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined. Today, it’s an incredible honor to help lead this race—now proudly called Johnny’s Run—alongside amazing mentors like Tom Theoret, who has spent decades building a community around running and perseverance.
I would truly love for you to be part of it.
Johnny’s Run is more than a race—it’s a celebration of determination, family, and the belief that everyone belongs at the starting line. We have many opportunities for everyone to be involved, so please check out our website for more details!
No matter how you participate, we hope you’ll come be part of a day that reminds us all what’s possible.
Johnny's Run: 7:00pm
The Johnny’s Run 5k race will start at 7:00pm and is an out-and-back 5K (3.1 miles) paved course of gently rolling hills covering peaceful farm country, in this picturesque setting. The course is lined with scenic views of tree-lined roads and open rolling farmland — perfect for a tough competitor, a nice easy jog or a relaxing walk.
JOHNNY'S IMPOSSIBLE MILE CHALLENGE: 8:00pm
The Johnny’s Impossible Mile Challenge race:
- Starts at 8:00pm
- One mile race intended to challenge you like I was challenged in my one mile walk with cerebral palsy.
- 30 minutes to carry an added 10% of their body weight in the form of dog/cat food which will be placed in a backpack for one mile. (The pet food will be donated to the local Humane Society afterward.)
- Bring their own backpack (Minimum 14” wide x 20” tall x 4” deep)
- Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
- The race is limited to the first 50 to sign up.
- Awards will be given to the top male and top female finisher!
KIDS RACE: 6:00pm
2025 brings back the St Patrick's Kids Race! There will be a:
- 6pm start on the soccer field
- No need to pre-register, just show up
- St. Patrick’s Diaper dash (20 yards) 3 and under
- St. Patrick’s Kids Run (50 yards) 4-6 years of age
- St. Patrick’s Harrier Race (200 yards) out and back around cones 7-10 years of age
- All participants will receive finisher ribbons!
Family Team Challenge
We want to get EVERYONE involved!
- Maximum of 5 family members can sign up per team.
- Top 3 in the family count for scoring purposes. (Example: Dad finishes 1st in age group, mom 10th in her age group, their child finishes 4th in their age group (1+10+4=15) Their score is 15)
- Lowest overall score wins the specially designed "Family Team Challenge" stein.
HIGH SCHOOL TEAM CHALLENGE
-(Age 13-18) Open to incoming freshmen through 12th grade
-Co-ed
-Maximum 10 per team
-Top (4) score per age group finish. Top (2) female and top (2) male finishers
-Cross country scoring
-Cannot sign up on multiple teams
-Custom stein award given at award ceremony at 9pm
OPEN TEAM CHALLENGE
-No age limit
-Maximum 10 per team
-Top (4) score per age group finish
-Cross-Country scoring
-Cannot sign up on multiple teams
-Custom stein award given at award ceremony at 9pm
THE MUTT STRUTT - Canine Division
Grab your leash and join us for the Mutt Strutt—a tail-wagging good time for pups and their people! Whether your dog is a speedy sprinter or a happy stroller, this race is all about fresh air, fun, and making memories together. Come enjoy a relaxed, pet-friendly atmosphere filled with wagging tails, smiling faces, and plenty of exercise for everyone. Bring your furry best friend and be part of a paw-some day you won’t want to miss! 🐾
- Starts at the back of the 5K open race
- Dog will have own chip at registration
- Custom stein given at award ceremony at 9pm
- Each pup finisher to receive a special Mutt Strutt treat
-Canine Division
-Starts after the 5K open race (back of race)
-Your dog will have their own chip at registration
-Custom stein award given at award ceremony at 9pm
-Each dog finisher to receive a special Mutt Strutt treat
POST RACE
The top male winner and top female winner of Johnny’s Run 5K and Johnny’s Impossible Mile Challenge not only get the first prize bragging rights, but they are awarded a custom race stein! Every participant who finishes either race will receive a beautiful Finisher’s Medal!
Afterward, enjoy a post-race celebration that is not your typical race finish at the St Patrick Parnell Festival! You can purchase a wide range of food at various food trucks present and both alcohol and non-alcohol beverages are available. Come and enjoy the live music and other fun activities that are fun for the whole family! Admission is free!
For more details go to the "Race Info" tab and click on "Festival Finish". You can also check out the "About" tab for more on the history of the festival!
MEDALS
Because I know how hard I have to work to accomplish a goal, I thought it would only be right to reward YOU as a finisher. So, to celebrate your accomplishment, Johnny’s Run is providing custom-made medals to the first 400 registered participants in both races!
Refer Your Friends
Let your family and friends know you are running Johnny's race and get cash back. Use referral links in your confirmation emails.
T-SHIRTS
We are looking forward to unveiling the new shirt we will have for the first 300 registered participants in 2025!
STAY TUNED!
We would love to give a shirt to YOU! So, please don’t forget to sign-up!
For more info, check out the rest of this website and register NOW!
AND...Don't forget about the post-race LIVE music, food & drinks at the festival! Fun for the whole family!
The proceeds from Johnny's Run will go toward student scholarships for the St. Patrick school and parish, so we hope you all come out to show your support!
JOIN ME
I would love to see you out there to cheer you on and to encourage you to conquer your own “Impossible Mile” as I watch you cross your finish line!
This race will prove to be a one-of-a kind 5K. So please come and join me to take on either or both of our races “one step at a time” at Johnny’s Run, and help support the programs at St Patrick’s school and parish!
We hope to see you at the Starting line and celebrate with you at the Finish line!
Gratefully,
Johnny Agar
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
