Connecting Columbia Union Seventh-day Adventists

Moments after finishing the 2025 Boston Marathon, Johnny Soria, assistant treasurer of the Allegheny West Conference, testifies that he ran with purpose—powered by faith.

Running With Purpose: My Boston Marathon Journey

Story by Johnny Soria

This spring I had the incredible privilege of crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon—for the second time. Running in this iconic race is a dream for athletes around the world, and to be able to return to Boston, stronger and more focused than ever, was both humbling and exhilarating. But for me, running is more than just medals or finish times—it’s a ministry.

As a Seventh-day Adventist serving with the Allegheny West Conference, I am passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle rooted in the principles of stewardship and wholeness. Physical health is deeply connected to our spiritual well-being, and I believe God calls us to care for the bodies He has entrusted to us. Exercise—particularly running—has been one of the most powerful tools in my own health journey, and I use it to encourage others in our communities to move, eat well and live abundantly.

Running through the streets of Boston, surrounded by tens of thousands of people from all walks of life, I felt a sense of mission. I wasn’t just running for myself—I was running for everyone who’s ever thought it was too late to start, too hard to try or too broken to heal. And I was running to show that faith and fitness are not separate journeys—they are one and the same.

One of my favorite verses is found in 1 Corinthians 9:24, where the apostle Paul writes: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (ESV).

This verse speaks not only to athletic determination but to a spiritual mindset. We’re all running a race in life—the race toward purpose, toward growth and ultimately toward eternity. My goal is to help others run their race well—spiritually, mentally and physically.

As part of my ministry, I also promote running events at my church—the Central church in Columbus, Ohio—and the wider community, including local 5Ks and larger initiatives, like the Huacho Half Marathon in Peru, which aims to combine health awareness with social impact. These events are open to everyone—athletes, beginners, children, seniors—and they serve to build community, inspire change and glorify God through action.

My journey to the 2025 Boston Marathon was paved with early mornings, long training runs and prayer. It reminded me that discipline, patience and faith are essential, both on the course and in life. It’s my hope that my story encourages others—especially within the faith community—to move their bodies, guard their health and pursue every calling God places on their hearts with energy and commitment.

Because in the end, it’s not just about how fast we run—it’s about Who we’re running for.

Johnny Soria is an assistant treasurer for the Allegheny West Conference.

 

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