Dr. Timothy Tennent: The Real Story of the 1968 Olympic Marathon in Mexico City
Running a marathon represents one of the highest measurements of human strength and endurance. It is a 26.2 mile run which was inspired by the legend of an ancient Greek messenger who ran from a city known as Marathon all the way to Athens to bring news of an important Greek victory over the Persian army in 490 B.C. According to the legend, after the runner completed the journey and delivered his message, he collapsed and died. To commemorate this dramatic run, the Olympics established this race which has remained the “gold standard” for runners. One of the holy grails of marathon runners is to break the 2 hour mark. The current official fastest time is 2 hours, 1 minute and 39 seconds held by Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge. (Kipchoge actually broke the 2-hour length in Vienna in 2019 but it was not an official race).
The 1968 Summer Olympics took place in Mexico City. One of the highlights of the summer Olympics is, of course, the Marathon. If you had been in the stands that day at the end of the race you would have seen three men standing on the victory platform. It was one of those truly multi-cultural moments which makes the Olympics so special. On the platform was Mamo Wolde from Ethiopia, receiving the gold medal; Kenji Kimihara, from Japan, receiving the silver medal; and Mike Ryan, from New Zealand receiving the bronze medal. Three men from three different continents racing in a fourth continent for this highest prize. But, as thrilling as that may have been to see, that was not the real story of the 1968 Marathon. Let me tell you another story of the 1968 Marathon which took place on that day.
Long after the Ethiopian national anthem was sung, and after all the medals had been awarded, and even after most of the audience in the stands had left the stadium, John Stephen Ahkwari, the Marathon runner from Tanzania entered the stadium. At the 19 kilometer mark he experienced cramping due the high altitude. Back in Tanzania he had not been able to train for the high altitude of Mexico City. The cramping caused him to swerve unexpectedly and he was hit by another runner. John fell down and badly injured his knee, dislocating it, and his shoulder was badly wounded from the fall. But, he got up and kept running, even though in pain and limping as he ran. He entered the stadium a full hour after the victors had entered and he was the official “last place” finisher of the race. 18 racers had quit that day, so he was 57th among 75 who started. People were amazed to see him enter the stadium in such obvious pain. Reporters and cameras ran to the scene as he limped across the finish line. They asked why he had continued running after such an injury. He replied, “my country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race.” This became the great story of the 1968 Olympics and stands to this day as a great reminder to all of us.
The word “marathon” has come into the English lexicon to refer to anything (not just running) which calls for long, sustained effort. Christian ministry is not a quick sprint, it is a long marathon. Many who begin the pastorate with great zeal and focus find themselves fatigued and injured by the work. Many drop out completely. But, some get up, brush themselves off, and keep on running, even with a limp. Some of you are badly discouraged, even wounded from the crush of ministry in today’s world. Some of you feel under-appreciated and lonely. Some wonder if even God has forgotten you. Christians are derided in the culture and many of our churches are languishing. Some of you have wondered if you should just give up and go do something else. Your pain is so great, you just don’t know how you can press on. The denomination you serve may be breaking up. The people you serve seem unresponsive and only rouse themselves up to offer complaints and criticisms. You feel you have borne the heat of the day and you see little fruit for your efforts. If this is not enough, perhaps a secret sin has crept back into your life and you feel morally wounded. You are not even sure you deserve to stay in the race. In such moments, remember the grace of God who called you to this sacred ministry. Remember the utter lostness of the world who, though they do not even acknowledge it, desperately need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Remember afresh that though the Devil has tried to discourage you and reclaim you, you belong to Jesus Christ! He is your sufficiency. He is your hope. God did not call you from the distant country of sin to start this marathon called ministry, he called you to complete it. Get up and start running again. Like Jacob of old, you may walk with a limp, but even that is a testimony that God is not through with you, or with those whom you are called to serve. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…so we will not grow weary or fainthearted (Heb. 12:1-3).
Yes Dr. Tennent:
Many thanks for this article. It really addressed my situation presently. It is a reminder that no matter what the situation would be, God didn’t call me to start the race only but to finish it and finish well. So, depending on the grace of the God who called me, I believe that I will finish this race in the midst of circumstances. Folks, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith so that we can reach the finish line. K
Wonderful story about the 1968 Olympics. It is timely for the challenges of those in the ministry. May all of keep running and not give up.
Thank you,
Dr. Tennent
Your daughter’s ministry is also a wonderful inspiration to me.
Thanks for this timely word of encouragement to your fellow soldiers of Christ.
Dr. Tennent, this is Pastor R. David Reynolds, Asbury University Valiant Class of 1970 and A. T. S. Class of 1973. I LOVE this story, and relate well to it on MULTIPLE LEVELS, as I am a long time runner too. Thank you for sharing this story. I’ve never read or heard it until now. I’m “stealing it” for future sermon illustrations myself.–YBIC, R. David (“Pastor Dave”) Reynolds, Asbury Theological Seminary Class of 1973–HEBREWS 12:1-3 (y) (y) <3 <3 <3
great piece!!! I just finished reading Ryan Hall’s Run the Mile You are In and found it to be very inspirational. It is a great book to share with Christians and those who aren’t.
Thanks for the encouraging words. Many of our coworkers and believers went to their eternal home because of covid 19. Disappointing movements, how to continue the pioneering work, what is next that was the question. Yes, as mentioned God called us to complete the work. Thank you very much.
Thank you for this encouraging word, Dr. Tennent. It is needed and appreciated!
What a wonderful story, Dr. Tennent. It is a message of great hope and redemption for those of us (all of us?) who have been badly damaged in the process of giving ourselves in service to the Lord and His people. I am one of those damaged souls. After my soul- and ministry-damaging fall from grace I did not later hear a call to return to pastoral ministry; instead I was directed to teach Bible classes, lead Sunday School, host men’s groups (for damaged men, is there any other kind?), write, and play worship music within the church. In that manner I have been redeemed … again. I thank you most sincerely and humbly for your word of encouragement. [BTW, I am a lifelong middle distance runner (still running 5Ks at age 73), and so your story resonates with me especially strongly. Χάρη και ειρήνη.]
This is a wonderful message from the message. I am happy that our Country Kenya got a mention! Love Asbury Seminary.
Yes indeed. I served as founder and pastor of my last church for 33 years. But after 8 years and in a period of turbulence and trial in the church I felt that may be finished and it was time to move on. But with prayer and waiting on God, we shortly entered upon a most fruitful time which continued until retirement 25 years later. Thanks be to God for this wonderful word Dr. Tenant. Don Burnett Sr.
God is always faithful during times His children are wounded; and His marvelous ways even get brighter.
This is a wonderful message from the President. I am happy that our Country Kenya got a mention! Love Asbury Seminary.