Darrell Jackson

Darrell’s running journey began with a game of tag in his early teens — the thrill of the chase sparked something inside him. That spark became a lifelong passion when he joined the track team at Owings Mills High School in 1982. Though he had the build of a basketball player and the speed of a football player, it was running that truly captured his heart. He went on to run four years of indoor and two years of outdoor track, earning MVP honors his senior year — and he hasn’t stopped since.

Over 40 years later, Darrell is still running strong. Two years ago, he logged more than 1,800 miles in a single year. But running means far more to him than numbers or medals. “Running has helped me through the most difficult times,” he shared. A lifelong battle with severe depression has made running his emotional anchor. It’s also been a source of strength during physical trials — including his fight with early-stage prostate cancer. Incredibly, Darrell completed his first Spartan Sprint in 2019 while receiving radiation treatment.

For Darrell, running is part therapy, part triumph. With his Classic Rock and ‘80s playlist pumping through his headphones, he finds clarity, motivation, and healing with every stride.

His advice to new runners is full of wisdom earned through decades of dedication: “Train hard and run smart. Don’t burn all your energy too soon — pace yourself and save that last mile for the finale. Run like you’ve never run before.”

Darrell discovered the Casey Cares Foundation while searching for races in Maryland after a five-year break from competition. But it was the mission that truly drew him in. “This race is very important to me and it’s personal. The children are the true heroes — they’re fighting every day. They deserve to be treated, to heal, and to feel loved.”

Now a six-year prostate cancer survivor, Darrell runs to honor his journey and to give back to those facing their own battles. “Get checked. Get tested. Get results,” he urges. “I love giving and sharing my time to make children and families feel loved and appreciated.”

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