Editor's note: Jean Vance passed away on April 18, 2023, one day after this story's publication. Huntsman Cancer Foundation offers its condolences to Jean's family and friends and is honored to have captured part of his story here.
On January 28, Huntsman Hero Jason Howard reached an incredible milestone—he ran his 100th marathon. With his grandfather Jean Vance turning 100, the family decided to combine these achievements into one day-long celebration.
We asked Jason about his grandfather, his journey to 100 marathons, and why he’s raised approximately $12,500 for Huntsman Cancer Institute. You can join Jason for the Ogden Marathon on May 20 or become a part of Huntsman Heroes and participate in any way you’d like to support a cancer-free future.
You ran 16 marathons in 2022 to get to 100, how did you come up with that goal? What have been some challenges and highlights along the way?
I didn’t set out to run 100. Initially, I was only going to run one, but it was just something I started doing. It wasn’t until 2019 that I realized I had 28 marathons left to reach 100, so I created my grandfather’s race. I didn’t run any marathons in 2020 because of the pandemic, but I rededicated myself and ran 16 in 2022. There were times I didn’t want to be doing it, but then I had to remember the goal—giving hope to those impacted by cancer.
One highlight was bringing Huntsman Heroes running coach Elfi Ortenburger to the last stretch of the Salt Lake City Marathon and crossing the finish line together. And one of my races was a 72-mile ultramarathon at Lake Tahoe on my birthday. I told my wife earlier that year, “I know what I want for my birthday.” She called me the morning of my birthday—I’d started the race the night before—and asked, “How’s it going?” With 27 miles to go, I joked, “I don’t want this for my birthday anymore.”
How did you come up with the idea for your 100th marathon? What was it like?
In 2019, I realized I was in range to run my 100th marathon on my grandfather’s 100th birthday. So, I made up a course and held the marathon as part of his birthday party, the Jean Vance Centennial Celebration. He lives near Boise, Idaho, so the run started and ended at his house and looped through downtown. It was just me—others dropped out due to injuries or conflicts, but that’s okay. It’s probably the only race I’ll ever come in first! I had one medal made for myself and a second one for my grandfather. When I crossed the finish line, he gave me my medal, and then I gave him his. I told him what an honor it was for me. He teared up, and I think it meant a lot to him. He wore that medal all through his birthday party. It was a really special day. Everyone was blessed that was there.
What is your grandfather like? Why did you do this in his honor?
I’m fortunate that he’s lived as long as he has. He had prostate cancer about 20 years ago and he and his wife have had bouts with melanoma, but they’ve always caught it early. He is the type of person anyone would be proud to call their father, their son, their grandfather—someone others strive to be. He’s a good, honest person. He’s a self-made man. And he’s just happy. He grew up as a farm boy from Missouri when no one had anything—whatever you got, either you built it, or you grew it. So, he’s always been creative and industrious. During World War II, he worked on aircraft in the Army Air Corps. After the war, he started an injection-molding and machinery business. Now, at 100, he’s still out there with a snow shovel and a cane, shoveling his own driveway.
When, and why, did you join Huntsman Heroes?
The whole reason I joined Huntsman Heroes is because I knew someone going through something. I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I was in the bishopric when a person in our ward got a kidney cancer diagnosis. At the time, it was a difficult thing. I had been running marathons for a year and a half and looking at ways to run with a purpose, beyond just getting a medal. I’d heard about Huntsman Heroes online or from a flyer. So, I connected with the team, and the 2008 Salt Lake City Marathon was my first event as a Hero.
Huntsman Heroes gives you a way to feel like you’re helping someone with cancer and giving them hope. It’s what our shirts say, so it’s cheesy, but it truly is why I run. I know what Huntsman Cancer Institute does with the money we raise. I’ve been fortunate to see some ingenious research presentations. That’s why we do this—whether it’s a cure or a better way to treat cancer that causes less suffering and extends lives.
Fundraising isn’t always easy. How have you done it?
I’m more introverted when it comes to fundraising. But cancer is indiscriminate, and I’ve learned lots of people and organizations want to help. So, I reach out to them. I don’t want anyone to feel bad if they can’t support me; I just let them know what I’m doing and the selfless reasons behind it. It doesn’t matter if they give $5 or $100—every bit helps. I’ve also been fortunate to work for companies that match donations. A previous employer would even double match if I reached so many volunteer hours. So, in addition to running, I’d volunteer for Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
How do you handle the mental and physical demands of running marathons?
As I’ve done more marathons, getting through them has become easier mentally. I break the race into different segments. I look for mile six, the halfway point, mile 16—a big one because now we’re into single digits. I’m not designed for speed. I’m much slower than I used to be, and I don’t care. I don’t worry about having a good time as far as the clock; I just worry about having a good time as far as the experience.