Run, Run, Ye Saints

Run, Run, Ye Saints: Three Latter-day Saint Runners Who Inspire Us to Keep Going

Run, run, ye Saints! Some races are won by speed. Others are won by patience, preparation, courage—and the decision to keep moving when things get hard. Our Run, Run, Ye Saints t-shirt celebrates three outstanding Latter-day Saint runners: Kenneth Rooks, Conner Mantz, and Jane Hedengren, athletes whose dedication to running represents the kind of persistence, discipline, and faith that can inspire all of us.

This design from Weak Things Become Strong is made for runners, track fans, BYU fans, Latter-day Saints, and anyone who understands that getting stronger often starts with simply refusing to quit.

Kenneth Rooks: The Comeback That Became Legendary

If there is one story that captures the spirit of this shirt, it has to be Kenneth Rooks’ incredible 2023 U.S. championship steeplechase comeback.

At the 2023 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Rooks was competing in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Early in the race, he hit a barrier and went down hard. He tumbled and suddenly found himself about five seconds behind the field—a massive disadvantage in an elite championship race.

But Rooks got up.

He didn't panic. He didn't try to make up all the lost ground in one desperate burst. Instead, he stayed patient, worked his way back toward the pack, and continued racing. Eventually, he moved into contention. With the finish approaching, fatigue was setting in and he had fallen back to fourth.

Then came the final barrier.

Rooks attacked it, found another gear, and charged toward the finish. He crossed the line first in 8:16.78, completing one of the most memorable comebacks in recent American steeplechase history.

His response afterward makes the story even more powerful. Rooks later reflected on the lesson of that race: falling doesn't mean you're finished. He described how getting back up after the fall reminded him of gospel principles and the importance of continuing forward through adversity.

That's the heart of Run, Run, Ye Saints.

Sometimes you are winning. Sometimes you're falling behind. Sometimes you literally fall down.

Get up. Keep running.

And Rooks Didn't Stop There

Rooks continued building his career, winning the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials steeplechase in 8:21.92 and earning his place on Team USA.

Then, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rooks delivered another remarkable performance. He stayed toward the back of the field for much of the race before making a bold move late, briefly taking the lead before ultimately earning the Olympic silver medal in a personal-best 8:06.41.

From falling behind at a national championship to standing on an Olympic podium, Rooks' journey is a reminder that the race isn't necessarily determined by where you are right now.

Conner Mantz: Strength Through the Miles

Conner Mantz brings another kind of toughness to this trio. Known for his relentless approach to distance running, Mantz has built a reputation through years of high-level cross country and distance racing.

Distance running doesn't offer many shortcuts. It demands thousands of miles, countless workouts, early mornings, painful finishes, and the willingness to keep working when nobody is watching.

That's what makes Mantz such a fitting face for this design. He represents the daily grind—the miles between races, the workouts between victories, and the commitment required to become an elite runner.

Jane Hedengren: Running With Purpose

Jane Hedengren represents the next generation of exceptional distance runners. Her performances and dedication demonstrate that great running isn't simply about talent. It's about showing up, putting in the work, learning from difficult days, and believing that today's effort can become tomorrow's breakthrough.

Together, Rooks, Mantz, and Hedengren represent different stages and styles of competitive running—but they share something important:

They keep moving forward.

Wear the Comeback

The Run, Run, Ye Saints t-shirt is more than a running shirt. It's a celebration of perseverance.

It's for the runner who had a terrible workout but showed up again tomorrow.

It's for the athlete who finished behind the pack and decided to train harder.

It's for the person who stumbled, got discouraged, started over, and kept going.

And, of course, it's for anyone who has watched Kenneth Rooks fall five seconds behind, get back on his feet, and somehow race all the way back to a U.S. championship.

Run your race. Keep your faith. Get back up. Become strong.

Run, run, ye Saints!

Product: Next Level Apparel N6210 Men's CVC Crew

Next Level Apparel N6210 Men's CVC Crew

• 4.3 oz.,

• 60% combed ringspun cotton/ 40% polyester jersey

• Colors have a slightly heathered look

• Pre-shrunk for reduced shrinkage

• CVC blend

• 1x1 baby rib-knit set-in collar

• Shoulder to shoulder taping

• Tear-away label

• Side seamed