ASHLAND — Seven continents. Seven marathons. Seven days.
Most runners would consider completing a marathon in all 50 states enough.
Not Debbie Haynes.
The 67-year-old Ashland runner is preparing for The Great World Race, one of the most demanding challenges she’s entered. Haynes will join 60 runners from around the world this November.
The race begins in Antarctica, then travels through Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, South America and finishes in North America.
The race will push the runners physically and mentally, but Haynes said the most nerve-racking part isn’t running 26.2 miles.
“The hardest part is putting on your shoes and going out the door,” Haynes said.
Haynes discovered her passion for running after joining the cross-country team at Liberty Baptist College, now Liberty University. Over the last five decades, she has completed marathons all across the country.
Her original plan was to run a marathon in Sydney, Australia. She debated whether to continue with this, but her mother encouraged her to call the race director and coach David Kelly, who had invited her to participate in the world race for several years.
“You know what, OK,” Haynes said in September and has since been training.
Just as she committed to the race, Haynes injured her back and knee.
She spent April and May in physical therapy and wasn’t sure she’d make it to the starting line.
Her coach’s response never changed.
“You can do this,” Kelly said.
Her schedule now includes three races in September, three in October and three more in December after returning home from The Great World Race.
“There are no breaks,” Haynes said.
Packing for the world
Training is only part of the preparation. Haynes has carefully planned what she’ll carry across seven continents.
Each race day will have its own gallon-sized Ziploc bag packed with clothes. Once she finishes a marathon, she’ll throw away anything she no longer needs before the next flight.
The opening marathon may also be the most intimidating.
“I think Antarctica will be the hardest,” Haynes said.
Antarctica is the first stop on the race map. Haynes said the weather is expected to be around 19 degrees and winds could make it feel much colder. She plans to pack an insulated jacket, mittens, earmuffs and a neck gaiter.
Haynes is also packing a few reminders of home.
One resident where she works at Brethren Care Village gifted her a small positive gnome. She plans to photograph the gnome at each continent to send to her residents.
Residents plan to track her progress by marking each stop on a world map while she races.
Another resident gave her a miniature Jesus figurine as a reminder of the faith she said will carry her through the week.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Haynes said.
Running with purpose
Haynes is running in memory of her father, former Ashland mayor and Korean War veteran Don Richey.
She remembers her father climbing over a barricade in blue jeans during the Cleveland Marathon just to run alongside her.
“He was always supportive. He came to all my races,” Haynes said.
Richey often presented her with awards after local races when he was mayor.
Richey told Haynes, “Don’t quit,” and she still carries that advice with her for each race.
Moving forward
If she completes the challenge, Haynes will become one of a small number of women to finish The Great World Race. She said only 85 women have completed it, with just two finishing at age 68.
Haynes expects the race to cost about $70,000 on airfare, lodging, meals, race logistics, transportation to Antarctica, medical support and training. She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with the expenses.
Haynes has no plans to slow down after November. She hopes to run a race in every Ohio county, return to Ireland with her son in 2030 for a half marathon and someday complete a marathon at age 100.
“Don’t stop moving,” Haynes said. “Once you stop moving, you’re done.”
Next stop: Antarctica.
