As president of the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club, Mark Lawrence knows a thing or two about running. He joined the club in 2001 and has been wrapped up in the sport ever since.

Over the past six years, he's run in about 10 marathons — his first was the 2003 Frederick Marathon — and 25 ultra-marathons — his first being the JFK 50-miler in 2001.

Lawrence, 48, got into long-distance running later in life than most, but he says a big reason he's caught the running bug is because of the folks involved with the Steeplechasers.

"The progress I've made is due to my involvement in the club," he said.

Why does Lawrence continue to test himself as a runner?

"It feels like I'm exploring the capacity or potential I have, physically and mentally," he said. "I'm just kind of putting myself to the test."

This year, Lawrence will serve as a pacer for those who plan to finish the Frederick Marathon in about three hours, 45 minutes.  He recently previewed this year's race, from discussing the "nervous energy" at the start line to early positioning to the "elation" of finishing the marathon in Harry Grove Stadium.

To follow the course with Lawrence, simply click the numbered blue squares along the route. Each blue square links to a video where Lawrence offers pertinent info about that point in the race.