TUPELO – For many, running is just a way to stay active. For James Stephenson, it is an outlet for self-betterment and community.
Though not native to the area, Stephenson, born in Flagstaff, Arizona, moved with his family to north Mississippi in the 2000s, from where his father hails. He’s lived here ever since.
Stephenson said he started running as a way of getting into shape for basketball during his middle school and high school years, but it evolved into something in which he finds great joy. His senior year, he joined his school’s cross country team.
“I still train. Progress is being made, but what’s most rewarding is the journey before the race,” he said. “The results are there … but I’ve honestly enjoyed the training aspect.”
Stephenson took a break from running for a while, but casually took up the hobby again after a bad breakup. When his younger brother showed interest in the sport, he jumped back in with both feet, so to speak.
Now, at 13 years old, his brother is the third-fastest runner in the state.
“My dad did it, so I always wanted to do things like my dad. My dad’s my hero,” he said. “Coming back to it, it’s always been about family. The family continues to grow with all the new people that I meet, and seeing the strides my brother has taken … I am super proud of him, and our mom has been our biggest supporter.”
Until recently, Stephenson didn’t realize how many marathons, 5Ks and other runs were held in the area and across the state. Not even a knee injury stopped him.
While not the fastest runner himself, Stephenson said he enjoys the endurance test of long running competitions, noting that he is currently training for a triathlon … although he also claims to not be a strong swimmer. His favorite competition is ultra running, races that are longer than a marathon, which is traditionally a little over 26 miles. He said he’s run a 100K, about 65 miles.
Pushing through the pain and persevering is addictive, he said.
Stephenson doesn’t just train to benefit himself. Inspired by his dog and best friend, he created a GoFundMe — The Shiloh Project — to raise money for local animal shelters. Growing up, Stephenson said, he couldn’t have dogs because his father is allergic.
“Shiloh’s my first dog, and I never knew what it was like to have a best friend like that until I got Shiloh,” he said. “Once I got a dog, I was like, ‘Oh, I get it.’ After that, I started to learn more about fostering and the humane society.”
Shiloh wants to be everyone’s best friend, Stephenson said. The fundraiser is meant to carry a bit of that spirit.
“I wanted my races to start becoming bigger than just me and doing something with it. It is one of those things where I felt like I had this opportunity,” he said.
For every $5 donated, Stephenson will run or cycle a mile with a goal of 1,000 miles. Those interested in donating can go to gofundme.com/f/the-shiloh-project.
The hobby and sport of running can be as simple or as complex as an individual wants it to be, from running solo with some music to meeting in groups and clubs and taking part in marathons.
Stephenson said his run club, Bloved Run Club, meets at least once a month, at different tracks around town. Info on meetups can be found on the club’s social media pages.
“Because of my running, I’ve been able to meet a lot of cool people,” he said. “Until (joining Bloved), I had never been part of a sports club, and just being able to meet people that are all different walks of life. Everybody is on their own fitness journey, but everybody is cheering for everybody.”
Those who know him will point to the ever-present smile on his face and willingness to sit down for a chat on just about any topic. Still, although seemingly perpetually upbeat, Stephenson said life can be a challenge for anyone. Running is a release for Stephenson, he said — a way to clear his head and give him solid and obtainable goals such as training for the triathlon.
“It’s a blessing just to run, especially because I tore my knee, and it could’ve been a lot worse,” he said. “It still hurts, but it is one of those things you push through.”