If Gary Martin has a million fans, then I am one of them. If Gary Martin has a hundred fans, then I am one of them. If Gary Martin has only one fan then that is me. And if Gary Martin has no fans, then I am no longer on Earth. If the world is against Gary Martin, then I am against the world.

In a world full of high school sub-four milers, a weekend highlight was seeing Pennsylvania’s own chase the mark all by his lonesome on a windy day at Franklin Field. Although his series of 60-second quarters came up short, there was a soul-cleansing level of purity in witnessing Gary’s honest attempt. Without rabbits or pros to draft off, he gritted his way to a theatrical near miss. After the race, he even said a quote from Steve Prefontaine inspired him to give the crowd a performance they were owed.

Gary then rushed off to make it back in time for his senior prom, before returning on Saturday to run the 4×400. Hell, he probably would have a leg for On’s 4xmile team had they only asked!

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