Self-confessed fitness fanatic the Rev Father Johnpromise Omeozuru switched to running when gyms were closed under Covid restrictions, and decided that he would focus on raising money for a good cause.
Setting off from St Bernadette’s Church in St Brelade at 8.30am on Saturday, Fr Johnpromise ran to St Aubin and St Lawrence before arriving at St Thomas’. His route then took him to St Mary and St Peter’s Church in town before he headed to St Patrick’s in St Clement and finally to St Martin to the Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation and the Martyrs of Japan.
Speaking before his run, Fr Johnpromise admitted he had not chosen the easiest time of the year for the feat, which covered a total of 16 miles.
‘It’s been a lot harder than I thought – January’s not the easiest month, and it seems to have rained every day,’ he said. ‘But I have also seen some fantastic sunrises and the support I have had from everyone that I’ve seen has been amazing. I’ve invested in some new running gear, but once I get going it’s the adrenalin that keeps me warm.’
Fr Johnpromise left his native Nigeria ten years ago and worked in London for seven years before joining the priesthood and training within the Diocese of Portsmouth. He was ordained in 2019 and moved to Jersey to take up a role as an assistant priest in September 2019.
Although conditions were chilly and breezy on the morning of the run, Father Johnpromise and his running partner, Paul Livesey, a teacher at De La Salle College, were able to stay dry and complete their route soon after noon.
Before setting off on the run, Fr Johnpromise had raised more than £2,000 for the St Thomas’ spire appeal.
His sponsorship page can be accessed here.
