Chris Long is using his love of running 5Ks for Team Amy For Africa.
ASHLAND, Ky. – A dare from a co-worker has turned into a healthy hobby for Chris Long.
The 53-year-old Ashland man wants to put that hobby to use as a runner for Amy For Africa.
A Christian for more than 30 years, Long has watched closely as the Amy For Africa mission continued to grow and grow. When the invitation went out to be part of Team AFA with running, he jumped on board.
Long is a longtime Ashland city working, currently serving as the superintendent of the Wastewater Plant. He is also extremely active at Crum Chapel where he is a trustee, Sunday School teacher and has served as a young leader.
“I have been running for about 3 years on a dare from a coworker. I have been doing Crossfit for about for about 20 months, first at Crossfit Countdown and now currently on my own,” he said.
Long has fallen in love with running 5Ks, doing as many as three of them in one day. He’s also done several 10Ks.
“Running is like Crossfit in that they cheer and support just as loud for the last one finishing as the first one,” he said. “My mom, Aileen Long (deceased), raised
four kids by herself without a vehicle or license. She always kept us in church and I am currently at the same church.”
What tipped him over to running for Team AFA was the documentary on Amy Compston, the co-founder.
“I have been following the cause for some time and after watching the documentary felt led to participate,” he said.
Other hobbies include playing basketball and woodworking. He is currently working on
a homemade camper.
Chris and his wife, Paula, have two grown girls, Karissa and Marissa.