Run, Man, Run: A Catholic’s Journey

"If you want to run fast, run alone. If you want to run far, run together." – African Proverb 

I am both a Catholic and a runner, and I’ve often found that the two journeys, of faith and of running, intersect in surprising and inspiring ways. 

The Body as God’s Temple 

St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Caring for them is part of our vocation. In recent years, running has become one of the most accessible ways to keep fit in Asia. It requires no gym memberships or expensive equipment, just a decent pair of shoes and the will to begin. 

I came running late, almost by accident. A lifelong mediocre tennis player, I was more familiar with gyms than open roads. One day, a friend remarked, “You run well on the treadmill. Why not try outside? It’s a different experience.” That single nudge opened up a new world. 

Running outdoors exposed me to God’s creation in ways I had never noticed before. Early morning streets, fresh air, the rising sun, these became moments of awe. Along the way, I lost 17 kilos, joined local running groups, made new friends, and completed several 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons. For the first time, I wasn’t mediocre at a sport. I had discovered the “runner’s high” and a deeper connection to God. 

The Finish Line and Salvation 

But this is not just an article about fitness. Running has taught me much about my Catholic faith. For a runner, the goal is the finish line. For a Christian, it is salvation. Both are best described by St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). 

You cannot complete a marathon or attain salvation without preparation. The desire must come first: I want to reach the finish line, I want to reach heaven. Then comes training. Runners progress from 5Ks to 10Ks, to half-marathons, and eventually a full marathon (42.2 km). They train with coaches and running groups who guide them through discipline, sacrifice, and endurance.

Faith follows a similar path. Baptism, catechism classes, First Communion, Confession, Confirmation, and finally discerning one’s vocation, none of these happen overnight. They require years of formation, supported by parents, priests, catechists, and the parish community. Just as no one runs a marathon without help, no one walks the road of faith alone.

Injuries, Doubts, and Grace

Every runner knows the struggle of injury, self-doubt, and even failure. I have questioned myself more than once: Why am I doing this? Yet mentors and running companions always encouraged me to move forward. 

The saints also faced moments of darkness and doubt, but they overcame them through prayer, confession, and guidance from spiritual directors. Their perseverance reminds us that setbacks are not the end, they are part of the journey. 

One of my most humbling experiences was a race where my GPS watch failed. Lost without my pace tracker, I asked a stranger for help. He ran beside me for nearly 15 kilometers until the finish line, expecting nothing in return. On another occasion, after failing to finish (a dreaded DNF), I returned the following year with renewed determination and, with guidance from a seasoned runner, completed the race. 

These experiences mirror the Gospel parable of the Good Samaritan. Just as fellow runners help each other, the Church community lifts up the weak, prays for the suffering, and restores us through the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Grace often arrives through others. 

Running as Prayer 

There are moments in running when body, mind, and spirit align: steady pace, rhythmic breathing, nature all around. These moments often lead me into prayer. Running becomes a space of contemplation, a moving dialogue with God.

Yet running also teaches humility. No matter how prepared we are, races bring unexpected challenges. Fatigue, cramps, or unfavorable conditions can strike. So too in faith: even with preparation, we face trials. But God gives us the strength to carry on. 

Why I Keep Running 

Why do I continue to run despite injuries and setbacks? Because of the beauty it reveals. The synchronized beat of thousands of feet at dawn. Strangers helping each other. The world seen anew through sweat and struggle.

Faith brings the same renewal. We return to Mass again and again because it restores us, strengthens us, and makes us want to continue the race of life. 

Faith in Action 

As Catholics, we can integrate running into our spiritual lives. Imagine running or walking to Mass instead of driving. It’s healthier, more prayerful, and better for the environment. Each step becomes an act of stewardship.

At the finish line, I often whisper a prayer to St. Sebastian, the patron saint of runners. I also hold close the words of the Runner’s Prayer: 

The Runner’s Prayer

Lord, watch over me as I run today.
Protect my body from injury,
my mind from discouragement,
and my spirit from pride.
Remind me that true victory is not finishing first,
but overcoming myself.
And may I say at the end:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 

Running may not save the soul, but it strengthens the body and clears the mind—making space for God’s grace to move within us. And in both running and faith, there is as much joy in running the race together as there is in crossing the finish line.

 (Tom Thomas, a Catholic entrepreneur and writer based in Bangalore, South India, contributes articles to Catholic magazines and media platforms, both in India and abroad.)