Runner uses father for inspiration as he prepares for this year’s Kansas Marathon

In January, Joe Farthing, Lawrence, was training to compete in his first marathon — the Lynn Electric 2010 Kansas Marathon. He is among at least 200 people who will compete Sunday in the race, which benefits Health Care Access clinic.

Kansas Marathon details

  • Participants in the April 18 event have three race options: full marathon, half marathon, or 5K run.
  • Races begin at Shenk Sports Complex, 23rd and Iowa streets.
  • The cost of registration runs from $15 to $75, depending on the race, and all proceeds benefit Healthcare Access. People who register before Jan. 31 will receive a discount.
  • For more information about the race, visit www.kansasmarathon.com. For more information about Healthcare Access, go to www.healthcareaccess.org.

Following his father’s heart attack in 2000, Joe Farthing knew he needed to get in better shape.

“That sort of spurred me into running,” said Farthing, owner of J & S Coffee, 4821 W. Sixth St.

And nearly 10 years later, Farthing will be competing in his first marathon as a participant in the Lynn Electric 2010 Kansas Marathon in Lawrence on April 18.

In addition to the physical challenges of training and completing the 26.2-mile race, Farthing is competing to support race organizer Healthcare Access. The Lawrence resident has been a race sponsor for the past four years and has participated in the event’s previous half marathon. But when the race added a full marathon this year, Farthing decided to compete and offer his support.

“Healthcare Access is just such a great cause; helping the uninsured that fall through the cracks,” said Farthing.

Sally Zogry, event coordinator, said Healthcare Access is proud a supporter like Farthing will be using the race to take on his first marathon.

“He’s very supportive of us and always does what he can do to help,” she said. “It’s his first, so it’s great it will be with us.”

Zogry said they’re anticipating nearly 2000 runners this year for all the events, which includes a 5K and half-marathon, and Healthcare Access hopes to raise more than $30,000 this year.

In his years of running, Farthing said the key to getting through the marathon is less frequent, but smarter, training. He trained for the Chicago Marathon a few years ago, but overtrained and injured himself before the race.

This time, he’s running three days per week using a specific marathon training regimen. And being a business owner and father of 3-year-old twins, the program keeps him from spending all his free time running.

Farthing said he’s received support from the staff at his coffee shop, many of whom are also runners. But even with friends and family cheering him on, he knows making it across the finish line will be intense.

“It’ll hurt,” said Farthing, though he’s confident.

“Just keep going,” he said. “Make it your second job, and don’t get fired.”