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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What is now known as the St Patrick Parnell Festival has a long history. The first festivals were actually parish picnics started in 1865. The picnics were simple potlucks with some dancing and socializing to complement the homemade food. As the community in the Parnell/Ada area grew, the picnics took on a different form. The festivities were moved to the larger grounds as they became more of a homecoming event. As the years passed, the festival became a major fundraiser for the Parish community by selling their famous chicken dinners in 1923 for a whopping 50 cents!

In the 1950's St Patrick's became known throughout West Michigan for its festival. Thousands of dinners were served and the entertainment became greater and greater; Car shows, horse shows and tractor displays were added and raffle and bingo games were played throughout the three-day event. 

It wasn't until 2010 that someone suggested a 5K race be added to the list of activities to do during the festival, and the St Patrick Festival run was inaugurated. 

Today, the festival is no different from the earlier days in that it's a three-day event and draws in crowds from all over West Michigan -- albeit they come in cars and not a horse-drawn carriages however!

Johnny's Run kicks off the three-day weekend, followed by a beer and food tent and live music. Saturday, there is an auction, food and beer tents and Vegas night. On Sunday, enjoy the famous Chicken Dinner, along with kids' games, Bingo, a Quilt Exhibit, Live Music, Annual Antique Car-Truck-Tractor Show, and Beer tent.

Johnny’s Run is an out and back 5K (3.1 miles) paved course of gently rolling hills covering peaceful farm country, in the picturesque setting of St Patrick’s Church in Parnell, Michigan. The course is lined with scenic views of tree- lined roads, open rolling farmland, taking one to a ‘hallmark type setting’ that is hard to find these days.
 Whether you are a tough competitor, or just want a fun walk/jog, this course is ideal for all! As a BONUS, we have included Johnny’s “IMPOSSIBLE MILE” as part of the new race course! We are very honored to have Johnny Agar, himself, as this year’s new Co-Race Director, and he will be there to cheer you across the finish line! This race will prove to be a one-of-a-kind 5K. Come and join Johnny and take on the 5K “One Step at a Time.” 

Q: Do I get a shirt?
A: YES! We will be posting a picture of the shirts, so please be sure to come back to this site soon!

Q: Will there be age group awards, overall awards?
A: Yes! Age group awards will be given to the top 3 finishers in all age groups for the Johnny's Run 5K. 

     The top male and top female winners for both the Johnny's Run 5k & Johnny's Impossible Mile Challenge 
     race will be awarded custom-made steins that can be refilled the entire night at the festival for free!

Q: Do I get a finishers medal for the race?
A: Yes! All finishers will be awarded a finishers medal for both races.

Q: Can I change my shirt size?
A: An early registration allows us to have a better chance at being able to do this. 

Q: What is the course like?
A: Johnny’s Run is an out and back 5K (3.1 miles) paved course of gently rolling hills covering peaceful farm country, in the picturesque setting of St Patrick’s Church in Parnell, Michigan. The course is lined with scenic views of tree- lined roads, open rolling farmland, taking one to a ‘hallmark type setting’ that is hard to find these days.

Whether you are a tough competitor, or just want a fun walk/jog, this course is ideal for all!

Johnny’s Impossible Mile Challenge is a one-mile race intended to challenge you like Johnny was challenged in his one mile walk with cerebral palsy. Participants have 30 minutes to carry an added 10% of their body weight in the form of dog/cat food which will be placed in a backpack for one mile. The pet food will be donated to the local Humane Society afterward. Challengers are required to bring their own backpack (Minimal 14” wide x 20” tall x 4” deep) and you must be at least 18 years of age to participate. The race is limited to the first 50 to sign up. Awards will be given to the top male and top female finisher! 

We are very honored to have Johnny Agar, himself, as Co-Race Director, and he will be there to cheer you across the finish line! This race will prove to be a one-of-a-kind 5K. Come and join Johnny and take on either the Johnny's Run 5K , the Johnny's Impossible Mile Challenge race or do both! (Check out our Course Details page)

Q: Where and when is packet pick-up?
A: You can pick up your packet from 4:30pm - 7:00pm on Friday the 23rd. There will be a table with volunteers near the start location. 

Q: Where does the money raised at Johnny's Run go?
A: The proceeds from Johnny's Run will go toward student scholarships for the St. Patrick school as well as toward the St Patrick parish. 

Q: Is there a post-event party?
A: Yes! The Festival Finish will be part of the St Patrick Parnell Festivby The Adams Family (50's & 60's rock) beginning at 8:00 p.m. 
Admission is FREE
Food concessions (cash only)
Cash bar (picture ID will be required for beer purchase)

This family-friendly event is just getting started with the 5K run!! Afterward enjoy: Euchre tournaments, Vegas night, beer tents, antique car, truck & tractor show, food trucks, silent and live auctions... all to the tune of a live band!  Come and join the festivities after the race! And don't forget to come back on Sunday for the world-famous chicken dinner!

For more information go to:

www.spparnell.org/festival

Packet pickup and registration opens at 5pm in the large tent behind the school.  Registration will close at 6:45pm.  

More wonderful sponsorship opportunities available for 2026!  We would love to have you join us!

The Johnny’s Run 5k race will start at 7:00pm and is an out-and-back 5K (3.1 miles) paved course of gently rolling hills covering peaceful farm country, in this picturesque setting. The course is lined with scenic views of tree-lined roads and open rolling farmland — perfect for a tough competitor, a nice easy jog or a relaxing walk. 

The Johnny’s Impossible Mile Challenge race:

•  Starts at 8:00pm
•  One mile race intended to challenge you like I was challenged in my one mile walk with cerebral palsy.
• 30 minutes to carry an added 10% of their body weight in the form of dog/cat food which will be placed in a backpack for one mile. (The pet food will be donated to the local Humane Society afterward.)
•  Bring their own backpack (Minimum 14” wide x 20” tall x 4” deep)
• Must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
• The race is limited to the first 50 to sign up.
•  Awards will be given to the top male and top female finisher!

2025 brings back the St Patrick's Kids Race! There will be a:

• 6pm start on the soccer field
• No need to pre-register, just show up
• St. Patrick’s Diaper dash (20 yards) 3 and under 
• St. Patrick’s Kids Run (50 yards) 4-6 years of age
• St. Patrick’s Harrier Race (200 yards) out and back around cones 7-10 years of age 
• All participants will receive finisher ribbons!

We want to get EVERYONE involved!

•  Maximum of 5 family members can sign up per team.
• Top 3 in the family count for scoring purposes. (Example: Dad finishes 1st in age group, mom 10th in her age group, their child finishes 4th in their age group (1+10+4=15) Their score is 15)
• Lowest overall score wins the specially designed "Family Team Challenge" stein. 

-No age limit
-Maximum 10 per team
-Top (4) score per age group finish 
-Cross-Country scoring
-Cannot sign up on multiple teams 
-Custom stein award given at award ceremony at 9pm

Grab your leash and join us for the Mutt Strutt—a tail-wagging good time for pups and their people! Whether your dog is a speedy sprinter or a happy stroller, this race is all about fresh air, fun, and making memories together. Come enjoy a relaxed, pet-friendly atmosphere filled with wagging tails, smiling faces, and plenty of exercise for everyone. Bring your furry best friend and be part of a paw-some day you won’t want to miss! 🐾

• Starts at the back of the 5K open race
• Dog will have own chip at registration
• Custom stein given at award ceremony at 9pm
• Each pup finisher to receive a special Mutt Strutt treat  

-Canine Division 
-Starts after the 5K open race (back of race)
-Your dog will have their own chip at registration 
-Custom stein award given at award ceremony at 9pm
-Each dog finisher to receive a special Mutt Strutt treat

The top male winner and top female winner of Johnny’s Run 5K and Johnny’s Impossible Mile Challenge not only get the first prize bragging rights, but they are awarded a custom race stein! Every participant who finishes either race will receive a beautiful Finisher’s Medal!

Afterward, enjoy a post-race celebration that is not your typical race finish at the St Patrick Parnell Festival!  You can purchase a wide range of food at various food trucks present and both alcohol and non-alcohol beverages are available. Come and enjoy the live music and other fun activities that are fun for the whole family! Admission is free! 

 For more details go to the "Race Info" tab and click on "Festival Finish". You can also check out the "About" tab for more on the history of the festival!

Because I know how hard I have to work to accomplish a goal, I thought it would only be right to reward YOU as a finisher. So, to celebrate your accomplishment, Johnny’s Run is providing custom-made medals to the first 400 registered participants in both races!  

Let your family and friends know you are running Johnny's race and get cash back. Use referral links in your confirmation emails.

We are looking forward to unveiling the new shirt we will have for the first 300 registered participants in 2025!

STAY TUNED!

We would love to give a shirt to YOU! So, please don’t forget to sign-up!
For more info, check out the rest of this website and register NOW!  

AND...Don't forget about the post-race LIVE music, food & drinks at the festival! Fun for the whole family!

The proceeds from Johnny's Run will go toward student scholarships for the St. Patrick school and parish, so we hope you all come out to show your support!

I would love to see you out there to cheer you on and to encourage you to conquer your own “Impossible Mile” as I watch you cross your finish line! 

This race will prove to be a one-of-a kind 5K. So please come and join me to take on either or both of our races “one step at a time” at Johnny’s Run, and help support the programs at St Patrick’s school and parish!

We hope to see you at the Starting line and celebrate with you at the Finish line!

Gratefully,

Johnny Agar