Jenks coach takes on 500-mile run across Oklahoma to break record and give back

Running in this summer heat is tough enough; now imagine doing it for 500 miles across Oklahoma.

Jenks High School’s cross-country coach is taking on that challenge with one goal in mind: breaking a record and giving back.

Before making a stop, Coach James Strahorn was met by a few members of his cross-country team about a mile back so they could run with him to meet up with the rest of his supporters.

There was a lot of cheering, pictures, and even a few happy tears.

Tracked Across the State

For the past week, the Jenks High School cross-country team has been getting updates on their head coach.

"It's good to know he's still surviving," Kali Streater said.

They've been tracking him since last Wednesday, when he started his journey at the New Mexico-Oklahoma border to run 500 miles to the Arkansas border in less than eight days, 11 hours, and 52 minutes, aiming to become the record holder.

"I do just love running, and I want to use it to just inspire others, to just show them that we're capable of a lot, you know," said James.

Running for a Purpose

He's also running to raise money for the Jenks Food Bank and his athletes because his mom says James has a genuine heart.

But when it comes to running at the end of July, Jamie Edington, James' mom, said, "He's crazy, number one, but he just ran the Badwater in California."

The Badwater is a 135-mile ultramarathon in Death Valley, and James says it prepared him for this run, but it's still been a challenge.

"It hasn't been easy, but I just do it for not just me, because I've got kids that look up to me, my family. So, it's never just been about me, or else I'd run out of gas," said Strahorn.

The kids who look up to James wanted to make sure he knew they're rooting for him and they're proud he's their coach.

"He's awesome. Yeah, kind, awesome, caring, driven, very strong too," said Streater.

James hopes his journey shows his runners that no one can put limitations on them.

"We really are capable of, sometimes more than we think we are, and chase your heart and follow your heart," said Strahorn.

What's Next?

James is expected to finish his 500-mile run on Wednesday in Siloam Springs, within seven days, making him the fastest person to run across the state of Oklahoma from east to west.

He already holds the record for the fastest time running across the state from north to south.

You can donate to James' cause here.

James says once he completes his race, he'll need two days to rest and recover, then he'll jump back into coaching his team.