ON SATURDAY, April 12, runners from every walk of life gathered for the first-ever Highlands College Birmingham Marathon. With over 1,000 runners, this event served as a space for fostering relationships outside of the walls of Highlands College while simultaneously training students in the Character Formation Pillar.
Through the event—from pre-race activities to the finish line celebration—the Highlands College Birmingham Marathon created meaningful opportunities to share the love of Jesus with families, local vendors, and people who may be encountering Highlands College for the first time.
“This race is about more than crossing a finish line—it’s an opportunity to practice discipline,” said Vice President of Character Formation Hamp Greene. “We want our students to plan, train, and follow through. That intentional preparation shapes the character they’ll carry into life and ministry.”
Whether running the 10K, half marathon, or 26.2 miles, students develop discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of accomplishment that fuels their future in ministry. With the race open to the public, Birmingham residents witnessed a mission-driven training ground for ministry leaders committed to building their character through perseverance—pressing on, one step at a time.
The Highlands College Birmingham Marathon is a powerful expression of internal character development and what’s possible when we persevere in Christ. “This experience transforms how students see themselves and how they depend on God,” said Greene. “Crossing that finish line leaves them with a deeper confidence—physically, mentally, and spiritually—because they’ve learned to rely on the Holy Spirit.”
As students abide in Christ, they discover strength beyond themselves, reminding them that with the Holy Spirit, they can do more than they could on their own. This internal transformation prepares them to lead themselves, others, and the local church well. It allows students to become high-capacity and trustworthy leaders committed to fulfilling the Great Commission even through trial. ■
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Content has been edited on June 26, 2026 for republishing.
