The Augustinian Friars in Britain

Our Hearts are Restless until they Rest in You, Lord

The Roman Marathon 2010

Br. Barney Johns OSA is studying theology at the Augustinianum.  Having been granted credits for courses completed at Allen Hall, he concludes the first cycle of theology in June.   The Provincial Council has approved his request to continue his studies in the field of Biblical Theology, and to undertake some pastoral ministry.

He recently ran the Roman marathon in 3 hours, 57 minutes, accompanied by his brother and sister-in-law and 10,000 others.

He describes the experience:

I was cheered on by the Roman crowds along with 10,000 other runners as we wound our way along the 26 miles of often-cobbled road in the Rome marathon on 21st March. The race started at the Colosseum and then wound its way along the Tiber, passing St. Peter’s Basilica and Santa Monica’s. At around the half way mark at 13 miles my legs started to feel a little shaky, and I began to look earnestly for the water, sponge and Gatorade stops that rose on the horizon every 5 kilometres.

In the final four kilometres we ran by some of the most recognizable sights of Rome such as the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, however I only have an overriding memory of pain and I didn’t give the beauty of the eternal city much thought. Sadly, a man from Belgium died one mile from the end.

I finally managed to arrive back to pick up my medal in just under four hours beating my time of last year by 25 minutes. I have to say it was very well organized when one contemplates the logistics of such an event, and I was well supported by the friars at Santa Monica and from the province.