In a story published by Runner’s World Magazine on December 11, it was reported that the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) announced six headliners for the 2026 Boston Marathon on April 20. The elite field includes defending champions Sharon Lokedi and John Korir, as well as American marathon record holders Conner Mantz and Emily Sisson. Marcel Hug and Susannah Scaroni, the winners of the wheelchair races in 2025, will also return. The rest of the field will be announced in January.
“On the occasion of 130 days away from the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, it is fitting to preview what could be considered the strongest field of international and American stars for April’s race,” Jack Fleming, the president and CEO of the BAA, said in a press release. “Each of these six athletes have decorated careers and are focused on meeting the moment and making history come Patriots’ Day.”
And, you know, if an elite field can be defined as a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society, King David's Mighty Men definitely fit the bill. Each one of David’s chief men were courageous, loyal, and skilled warriors who supported King David, and were renowned for heroic feats like killing hundreds in battle or defending against overwhelming odds.
"These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time." 2 Samuel 23:8
These mighty men of David were a group of the king's toughest military warriors who were credited with heroic feats, including Josheb-basshebeth, who killed 800 men in one battle with a spear. Amazing right? We can learn a lot from elite men such as him.
Additional notable elites listed include a man named “Eleazar, the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword.” Pretty amazing right? Talk about unwavering courage and perseverance! Eleazar didn't follow the crowd when his comrades fled; he fought on despite being outnumbered and exhausted. Can you just picture the image of his hand stuck to the sword? It's a picture of someone who refused to give up! Talk about hanging in there until the job was done!
What more can we learn from this mighty man? Charles Spurgeon saw that Eleazar, in his solitary stand until victory, was a tremendous example for believers today and said, “Solitary prowess is expected of believers. I hope we may breed in this place a race of men and women who know the truth, and know also what the Lord claims at their hands, and are resolved, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to war a good warfare for their Lord whether others will stand at their side or no.”
Spurgeon went on to say, “Remember Mr. Sankey’s hymn, - ‘Dare to be a Daniel! Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known! ’Dare to be an Eleazar, and go forth and smite the Philistines alone; you will soon find that there are others in the house who have concealed their sentiments, but when they see you coming forward, they will be openly on the Lord’s side. Many cowards are skulking about, try to shame them. Many are undecided, let them see a brave man, and he will be the standard-bearer around whom they will rally.”
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8
So, in a world in desperate need of good examples and godly role models that won't give up, dare to be an Eleazar my friend. Train hard in the Word each and every day in the same way an Olympic athlete trains for the gold so you'll be ready for any fight. And make the determination now that you will not back down from the enemy, even if you have to battle him alone. Be sober, be vigilant, but most of all be courageous so that you will inspire others to be courageous too.
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that being in the elite field of faithful followers should be the goal of every believer since we have been commanded to be set apart, to fight for truth, to defend the faith, and to stand up against injustice. Help us to be courageous soldiers like Eleazar who aren’t afraid to fight alone Lord, knowing that You supply both our weapons and our strength, and that through You we will have victory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!
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