Marlow 6th Grader Shines at Run to Remember Half Marathon

In a heartwarming display of determination and athleticism, Nolan Johnson, a 6th grader at Marlow Middle School, proudly participated in the annual Run to Remember memorial run, honoring the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995. This year marked a significant milestone for Nolan, as it was his first opportunity to participate in the half marathon.

Running a remarkable 13.1 miles, Nolan crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 1 hour, 55 minutes, and 40 seconds. Competing against a field of 196 male runners aged 12 to 19, he finished 56th in his age group and placed 1,071st overall among all participants.

Nolan's accomplishments don’t end at the half marathon. He is also a member of the Young Gunners, a local youth running club, where he has consistently posted winning times in every event he has entered. His passion for the sport is evident, and he trains diligently, running twice a week with a focus on distance and endurance, often clocking in three miles at a time.

“Finishing a marathon is the best part of running a marathon,” Nolan shared, showcasing his love for the sport.

Supported by his family, including his father Lj Johnson, who finished the Run to Remember with a time of 2 hours, 7 minutes, and 12 seconds, Nolan finds motivation in both family and community. His grandmother, Glenda Johnson, expressed pride in her grandson’s achievements, stating, “The best thing about Nolan is his heart; it’s as big as the sky.” She also emphasizes the importance of teaching children to set reachable goals, reinforcing a growth mindset.

In addition to his running success, Nolan enjoys playing baseball and hanging out with friends in his free time. His accomplishments at such a young age serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. “Even if you’re young, you can do things that other people can do,” Nolan stated confidently, embodying the spirit of his generation.

As the community reflects on Nolan’s remarkable participation in the Run to Remember, it’s clear that his journey has only just begun, and there will likely be many more milestones to celebrate in the future.

-Erin Woodard