NEBRASKA CITY – Darryl Jackson ran half marathons in 42 states before Nebraska but none provided a running tour guide and spiritual companion like Nebraska City.

The 60-year-old engineer from Memphis, Tenn., called Tammy Partsch of the Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce for advice on routes through the city, but she thought it would be best just to arrange of guide to run along in places like Arbor Lodge State Park.

Jackson: “I was telling him every tree is unique, so it just shows you the power of God. ... I said this is going to be different. I guess we probably had run like a quarter of a mile and there were people out there with a sign with my name on in. I’m like ‘what, who does this?”

 

The half marathon provided time to talk about purpose, overcoming personal circumstances and faith. Jackson said he has been in nice formal races at New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, but his 43rd race is where he connected with people.

Jackson: “If you want to get a real feel for real people. Come to Nebraska City.”

Jackson started running at age 35 and accepted the 50-state challenge in 2018 hoping to finish before he turned 60. The Coronavirus Pandemic shut down the formal runs, but it also created remote workplaces that opened opportunity to focus on a half-marathon per month.

Jackson: “I don’t really think about a theme, but if there was a theme while I’m running, before and after, it would be probably grace. Grace to start the race, the grace during the race and grace to finish the race. When I say that, probably the first thing people are thinking about is running, but I’m really talking about life. If you can do that and hold on to grace and do it with grace in this thing called life,  you’ll be in good shape.”

Jackson will next run in Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and New Mexico before finishing in Hawaii. Closer to home, Roth says he’s ready to tell his story for all runners who visit.