Jack Anstrom is no stranger to overcoming challenges. The Seaforth High School senior has solidified himself as one of the top distance runners in North Carolina History. But his journey has been anything but easy.
This past weekend, Anstrom etched his name in the record books, breaking the North Carolina indoor state record in the 2 Mile with a blistering 8:48, converting to a 8:45.56 3200m. He placed third in the event to earn All-American honors alongside his state record. The moment was a testament to his resilience, not just as a runner, but as a person navigating some extremely tough obstacles.
"People definitely see me as a runner, and rightfully so," Anstrom said. "But there's been a whole lot more to it."
We all see Jack's crazy performances on the track or on the XC course, and we know that he has has some challenges with his health throughout the last few years.
it's been a whole bunch of ups and downs, minor injuries and a major slump for most of junior year. "From beginning to pass out at the end of some races and having to see a cardiologist after Great American, to simply having a very bad senior XC season" is how Anstrom describes some of the challenges he has recently faced with running.
But the biggest challenge came off the track. In January 2024, his father, his coach, mentor, and inspiration-was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The weight of the diagnosis affected every part of Anstrom's life, including his running. The stress, fear of letting his dad down, and the emotional toll of hospital visits made training and competing more difficult than ever.
Through it all, Anstrom found strength in his support system, his faith, and his family. "it kept me grounded" he said, "knowing bigger things are happening. It's helped me turn more to my faith, my support systems, and my family". Even as he battled setbacks, including passing out at races and struggling through a difficult senior cross country season, he never stopped pushing forward.
"Every day my dad is OK and with the family is taken as a win," he said. "When it comes to competing, it's given me an extra chip on my shoulder.It was something to keep in mind during setbacks."
That mindset fueled his historic 3200-meter performance, proving that adversity doesn't define a runner-it strengthens them. Jack Anstrom's journey is far from over as he plans to head to NC State University next fall to compete on their Cross Country and Track teams, but one thing is clear: he's running with a purpose far greater than just crossing the finish line first.
For Jack... It's Bigger than Track.
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*We are kicking off the Bigger the Track series from Andrew Brown. If you have any tips on a good story for this series you can best contact him through Instagram at abrown.media.
