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Ultra-endurance athlete Tom Jones is currently running 76 marathons in 76 days to raise money for United We Pledge to build an American Village West in St. George, Utah, meant to teach the public about American history and government.
ROAD RUNNER
By Elizabeth Owens-Schiele
T
om Jones is quit proof. At age 59, Jones is about to complete his 76th consecutive marathon. Yes, that’s right—76 marathons in 76 days. He’s been running 26.2 miles every day for two-and-a-half months for a total of 1,991 miles. Crazy, or just extreme? Jones is neither. A Marine veteran and former professional boxer, he’s on a mission to make a difference using his gifts to inspire others while raising money for causes near and dear to his heart. His sports of choice are running marathons, paddleboarding and surfing, but he’s also a master of karate and Muay Thai kickboxing. He’s broken world records, received awards and has been recognized for running more than 50,000 miles in his lifetime. But it’s not just about being outside, enjoying the sports he loves and pushing beyond his physical limitations. It’s also a mental game—mind over matter to
38
343
marathons
59
years old
1,991
miles run since April
1,043
nautical miles paddled from Key West, Florida, to New York City to set a world record
beat the odds and achieve the unthinkable. Ryan Murtha has witnessed that as a member of Jones’ team. He is visually documenting Jones’ journey. A U.S. Navy reservist and recent film school graduate, he’s been working side-by-side with Jones in their 32-foot Winnebago Minnie Winnie RV and telling his story, especially the last two months. “I feel like he’s the greatest athlete I’ve never heard of. It’s not rainbows all the time. He’s out there working his best,” Murtha said, adding Jones is “slow and steady” while inspiring others daily. “It’s about getting up and doing whatever your marathon is for the day.” Jones continues to overcome his own physical and mental challenges to inspire others with his life lesson. “I believe that in life, we have two choices—we can either be a victim and take the role of the victim, or we can be the victor and take the role of the victor,” Jones said. “And no matter what your circumstances are, there’s a victim on
PHOTOGRAPH: RYAN MURTHA
ULTRA-ENDURANCE ATHLETE TOM JONES IS ON A MISSION TO USE WHAT HE CALLS HIS DIVINE ATHLETIC ABILITY TO HELP OTHERS REACH THEIR GOALS AND TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CAUSES HE’S PASSIONATE ABOUT
Luckbox | July 2022
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6/17/22 10:03 AM
