The Runner's Reward

Lent on the Run — Day 15

Mar 21, 2025

6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
— 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Most every runner I know loves medals.

Some runners even pick races based on the medal they’ll receive at the finish line. And for some, it’s not just about one medal—challenge medals, series medals, extra medals for extra miles—we’ll do what it takes to earn them. Sure, they might be “glorified participation trophies,” but they mean something.

Each medal tells a story. It doesn’t matter if the race was a mile or an ultramarathon—what matters is that you finished. It’s proof of what you’ve accomplished, regardless of pace or placement. (And for the record, to all those—like my kids—who ask if I “won” the 5K marathon, finishing is winning!)

The best part? The reward isn’t tied to speed, rankings, or comparison. It’s about completing the race set before us.

Faith works the same way. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul talks about fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and receiving the “crown of righteousness.” The reward isn’t given for being the fastest, strongest, or most accomplished—it’s about staying faithful. Our finish line isn’t determined by how we stack up against others but by enduring in the grace God has given us.

Crossing the finish line—whether in running or in life—is a celebration of the journey it took to get there. Maybe if we valued participation as much as performance, we’d see that the road itself makes the destination even more meaningful.

So, keep running. Keep the faith. The reward is worth it.