Events
Place
Ada, MI US 49301
Description
Hi!
My name is Johnny Agar and I’m the Race Director of the 3rd Annual St. Patrick Parnell Festival 5K named Johnny’s Run!
Being an athlete was something I had always wanted, and my cerebral palsy tried to prevent me from becoming one! Wheelchair sports were out of the question since I can only use one hand, and nobody wants someone on their team who can only spin in circles! 😊
Several years ago, my dad started pushing me in road races as a way for me to participate in sports. After doing several races with my dad, I knew I was capable of more after seeing athletes around me push themselves past their own physical and mental challenges.
So, I decided to finish a race on my own two feet with the help of my walker even though I had only ever walked 23 steps! I accomplished my goal in 2013 at the Saint Patrick Parnell Festival 5k. It took me one hour and forty-five minutes to complete and it was an amazing accomplishment for me!
That “Impossible Mile” has led to an abundance of blessings— one of which is being able to direct this traditional race that the Festival Committee agreed to dub now as Johnny’s Run (Hosted by St Patrick Parnell Festival) It's quite an honor, and I’m equally honored to be learning how to direct a race from one of the area’s best -- Mr. Tom Theoret, who was the race director for nearly 30 years growing the Irish Jig from a few hundred to the many thousand who run it today.
I would love to invite you to participate with us in this family-friendly race that always kicks off the St Patrick Parnell Festival in Parnell, Michigan.
This year, we are excited because there will be THREE opportunities to participate...the Johnny's Run 5k , the Impossible Mile Challenge, and the Kids' Race!
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 and is a one mile race intended to challenge you like I was challenged in my one mile walk with cerebral palsy. Participants have 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. Challengers are required to bring their own backpack (Minimum 14” wide x 20” tall x 4” deep) and 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
2024 brings a new race to Johnny's Run...the St Patrick's Kids Race! This year we are getting EVERYONE involved! 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
NEW THIS YEAR!!
Maximum of 5 family members can sign up per team.
The 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.
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 and drinks, and there is live music and other activities! 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 300 registered participants in both races!
Check back soon for a sneak peek of them!
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 2024!
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.
