John Davis, right, strides to the finish of the 2014 Boston Marathon.
ASHLAND, Ky. – John Davis is one of the most experienced runners on Team Amy For Africa.
It was through his encouragement that Amy Compston decided she could run a marathon the first time in January 2013. The rest, as they say, is history with the AFA mission and Amy.
Davis has some big-time running credentials on his resume, including three years of running cross country at Marshall University. He is a two-time champion of the MU Marathon and his personal records include:
-15:35 in 5K
-32:42 in 10K
-1:12:36 in half marathon
-2:38.03 in full marathon
-28:16:18 in 100-mile ultra marathon
“I chose to start running for AFA not only to support a good friend but to take advantage of an opportunity to use my running for something more,” he said.
Davis, who is living in the Dallas area, is the most competitive runner on Team AFA. But he’s not seeking individual glory by running for this organization.
“In the past 10 years that I have been running the only goal I have ever had was winning and training to be an outstanding runner,” he said. “But when Amy first told me about AFA I realized that I had been using my running only for personal victory.”
Like so many others in the past year, Davis was inspired by what’s happened with the AFA mission. He realized his running could be used for God’s glory, too.
“I was so impressed when she told me about the mission and how she was so inspired to use running in a way that would help others and spread the word of God,” he said. “It takes someone special to come up with such a great idea, and someone very selfless to work so hard at constantly helping others. Amy is definitely that special person and I was honored when she asked me to be a part of it and represent the mission.
“It has been amazing to see the work that Amy has done over the past year. It is truly an honor to be associated with such an incredible person and mission! Amy is a great inspiration to all of us!”