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Photo by Sam Yu
Wearing their “Jogging for Jesus” T-shirts, seven men representing the Frederick Rescue Mission trained in Baker Park on Monday evening for their upcoming runs in the 5K race and marathon relay that are part of the Frederick Running
Festival. From left are Larry Manuel, David Spinnler, Joe Blizzard, Sam Latona, Dereck Cameron, Josh Epps and David Sprankle.
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Josh Epps didn't enjoy running at first. He contemplated quitting the Frederick Rescue Mission's running group many times until he realized the impact it had on his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. "By being able to run, it's helped me with my anger ... I can think clearly," said Epps, who graduated from the mission's Christian-based recovery program a year ago. At this weekend's Frederick Running Festival, which includes a 5K, half-marathon and marathon race, Epps and six other men who are in or have been through the mission's residential program will run. "We're not just jogging, we're jogging for Jesus," said Tracy Vagrin, president of the mission's board of directors and running coach for the men. The group, wearing running shirts with "Jogging for Jesus" printed on the front, attended a press event Monday at City Hall, where race organizers outlined the 26.2-mile course that starts and ends at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Four of the men will run the 5K race. Another three, including Epps, will run the marathon relay with help from a member of a local Christian running club. Race organizers presented a $5,000 donation to the mission and another $5,000 to the Special Olympics. Vagrin said the group has been training about three times a week, persevering through winter weather. The mission also helps set up the marathon, but Vagrin said running was a good opportunity to have some of the men participate in a big event. "It's a way for the men in the program to get out of the house," she said. Sam Latona agreed. After 10 months in the year-long program, he said getting out for exercise a few times a week has benefited his recovery process. "It kind of gives you ownership of your body," said Latona, who is running the first leg of the relay. Each leg of the relay covers between five and seven miles. Both Latona and Epps got new, discounted running shoes after logging 100 miles. "It's definitely a more natural, healthy endorphin," Latona said
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