Last year, Fr. David Jaramillo, parochial vicar at Queen of Martyrs Parish, ran a marathon to fundraise for the students of Our Lady of the Assumption School in Beloit. 

This year, he plans to race again, running a half marathon.

“I love running, I love training, and I thought people would like seeing a priest run,” said Father Jaramillo, referring to last year’s race. 

He was right. 

“The response last year was overwhelming. People all over the diocese were so excited to see a ‘baby’ priest running a marathon for the kids at the school,” he said. 

“People were so generous, and it was a blessed time together for this effort. Some parishioners came to cheer me on on race day, and that helped tremendously. 

“When I finally arrived, it was so good to see that all the effort and training were worth it, and especially that so many kids can study and receive a good Catholic education.” 

The fundraiser, titled “Miles with Mary,” raised $19,000 last year. 

Father Jaramillo ran his marathon on November 9, enduring a cold day to successfully complete the race.

After the success of last year, Father Jaramillo decided to run again. 

“People were already donating and asking me even before I formally decided to do it again. Such generous parishioners and people from all over the diocese make the effort worth it. I think this event captures the image of persevering in the race until the end,” he said. 

“For us Catholics, this is real in our spiritual lives. We race with Christ and Mary; we persevere in prayer and the Sacraments, and we will finish the race . . . One day, the whole Christian journey will be worth it!”

He will run this year’s race on Sunday, Nov. 15. The money raised will go toward student aid.

“Many kids are able to be in our school because of your help,” said Father Jaramillo, referring to last year’s donations. He hopes to match or exceed last year’s total.

His training has been a bit different in 2026. 

“This year, because ministry has expanded (thanks be to God!), I have had less time to train that intensely. I will run the half marathon, which is still a good length that requires training and preparation.”

As race day gets closer, Father Jaramillo has a few aims: “To continue my training solidly, offer it up for the intentions of the donors, and see the joy of families and students who will be able to study one more year in their Catholic school. That alone is worth every single mile.”