Oak Grove High School teacher Josh Moore is making waves beyond the classroom by excelling in long-distance marathons. Known for his roles as a 9th and 10th-grade teacher, Moore also garners attention as a dedicated runner.
Earlier this year, Moore achieved a significant milestone by participating in the Mississippi 50, a 50-mile marathon. Completing the race in just five hours and 50 minutes, he temporarily held the record for the fastest 50-mile runner in the nation. Reflecting on the achievement, Moore described it as a significant effort, though a challenging one.
Moore’s passion for running began during his time on the track team at William Carey University, where he discovered a love for pushing limits and exploring the endurance aspect of the sport. Post-college, he joined the Pine Belt Pacers, a local running group that provided a supportive community and motivated him to continue his running pursuits.
“The running world is about making it accessible and building a community of runners living healthy, active lifestyles,” Moore emphasized, highlighting the importance of the group’s camaraderie.
At Oak Grove High School, Moore has fostered a thriving running culture, witnessing significant growth in the school’s Cross-Country and track teams. The Cross-Country team expanded from about 20 to 40-50 members, while the track team now boasts nearly 100 participants. Moore expresses pride in the development and enthusiasm of his students.
Looking ahead, Moore is preparing for the Tunnel Hill Marathon in Illinois this November, where he will compete in the National Championships for the 50-mile race. He is eager to participate alongside elite athletes in the ultra-marathon community.
Moore encourages aspiring runners to join local running groups to learn from experienced athletes and maintain a consistent training schedule, believing that running can be a lifelong hobby for anyone willing to start.
