Famous Latter-day Saints

Returned Missionary Now US Marathon Champion

Jared Ward was about halfway through his two-year mission when he began wondering about his physical fitness level.

Prior to serving in Pennsylvania, the young elder had been an elite high school distance runner and had committed to compete for Brigham Young University’s renowned cross-country and track and field teams. But mission life afforded him little time for serious training. He had put on a few pounds and was several months removed from his last hard workout.

So on preparation day Elder Ward and his companion found a high school track and slipped on their running shoes. The Kaysville, Utah, native ran a mile in just over five minutes. Not bad for a recreational plodder — but a snail’s pace for a collegiate runner.

“I was really out of shape,” he said with a laugh.

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