Johnnys' Run

Hi! My name is Johnny Agar, and I have the privilege of serving as Race Director for the 5th Annual St. Patrick Parnell Festival 5K—Johnny’s Run. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be an athlete. Living with cerebral palsy made that dream feel out of reach at times. Wheelchair sports weren’t an option for me, and there were moments when it felt like there simply wasn’t a place where I fit. But a few years ago, my dad changed everything—he started pushing me in road races so I could experience what it felt like to be part of something bigger. Those races lit a spark in me. Watching others push through their own challenges made me wonder… what if I could too? In 2013, at the St. Patrick Parnell Festival 5K, I set out to do something that once felt impossible—I finished a race on my own two feet, using my walker, after only ever walking 23 steps. It took me one hour and forty-five minutes, and every step meant something. That day didn’t just change what I believed was possible—it changed my life. What started as an “Impossible Mile” has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined. Today, it’s an incredible honor to help lead this race—now proudly called Johnny’s Run—alongside amazing mentors like Tom Theoret, who has spent decades building a community around running and perseverance. I would truly love for you to be part of it. Johnny’s Run is more than a race—it’s a celebration of determination, family, and the belief that everyone belongs at the starting line. We have many opportunities for everyone to be involved, so please check out our website for more details! No matter how you participate, we hope you’ll come be part of a day that reminds us all what’s possible.