What’s Your Story?: St. Jude Marathon Man

RICHLAND PARISH, La. (KNOE) - A local pastor has been preparing for the biggest race of his life on April 21.

Jeff Thomas is participating in the Boston Marathon this year. He says he is not alone and is running for something much bigger than himself.

On November 6th 2022, Thomas was struggling to finish his first marathon, when he spotted his daughter Katie Beth in the crowd.

Thomas said, “As I got closer to her...she said daddy you got this. I was like ‘no I do not got this ..I am dying’ and she said no this is why you are doing it...she said ‘take this picture with you’.”

Jeff ran the last mile and a half with his oldest daughters’ picture in his arms. Thomas said, “I had her in my heart already...but to have that picture in my arms. I kept looking down at the picture like I can do this.”

The St. Jude hero may not wear a cape, but he has a purpose. Thomas has now completed seven total marathons. His next step is to represent St. Jude in the Boston Marathon.

“I think about those kids and I think about those families and kids that may never get that chance to do what I do and run like I run,” Thomas said.