Run the Race You’re in

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

In an article titled “Lead Vehicle Misguides Top Runners at Las Vegas Half Marathon” posted Saturday the following was reported: Canadian Olympian Trevor Hofbauer, 30, broke 60 minutes (and the tape) at the Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon in Las Vegas last week, according to Athletics Illustrated. But that’s because the lead vehicle led the frontrunners off course, shortening the distance by about a half mile. According to Hofbauer’s 12.54-mile Strava activity, “course cruiser turned us around early.” The race’s results page does not include Hofbauer, whose personal record for the half was 64:30. In fact, none of the men’s top finishers are listed in the results page. The first-place finisher for the men’s division is listed as American Benjamin Stone in 1:12:32. An Instagram post by Mile2Marathon, for which Hofbauer is a coach, tags Hofbauer and says: “Trev stayed patient the first half of the race coming back from 4th in the last 5km to take the win. That makes back to back Vegas champs for M2M coaches.⁣ The peppers were definitely prepped for this one, it’s unfortunate we got steered the wrong way but these things happen and all you can do is just run the race you’re in.”

And you know, when it comes to running the race we’re in, we would all do well to realize that although we are running the race together—cheered on by “so great a cloud of witnesses” aka the saints that have gone before us—we each must run our own race with its unique trials, challenges, temptations, setbacks, and obstacles that are designed to make us more like Christ. Which means your race isn’t the one your best friend is running. And it isn’t the course God set your sister on either; or even the one your spouse is on. It’s your race… the race “set” before you mapped out by God Himself. 

So resist the urge to look to the right or the left to compare your race with someone else’s my friend. You’ll not only trip and fall but you’ll take your eyes off the One who is always with you and leading you to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we each have our own race to run with its own hills and valleys. Help us remember that when we look at someone else’s race that may seem easier than ours knowing that You are in control and will always lead us individually on the path that is for our good and for your glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!