Jacob Wells completed his final race in just under 20 minutes Friday.
Wells, who has run more than 100 marathons, died at a Memphis hospital six days after going into cardiac arrest and collapsing near the 19th mile at the Midsouth Marathon in Wynne. Wells' fight ended 19 minutes after being removed from life support.
The 45-year-old from Little Rock, known as "Marathon Boy" to many in the Arkansas running community, wasn't just any runner. Wells was well-known throughout in the state's running crowd and was a tireless supporter of all who ran, whether that meant cheering on his girlfriend Jaynie Cannon and her Hot Legs running group, organizing the inaugural Three Bridges Marathon or serving as a guide for blind marathon runners.
Wells also was an organ donor.
"Jacob rose to the occasion, hit the starting line running, and 19 minutes later made sure that as many people as possible will benefit from his heroism," Cannon posted on her Facebook page Friday. "There will never be another one like him! My sweetheart was so loved!"
It was just two weeks ago at the Soaring Wings Half-Marathon in Conway that Wells was stationed about a half-mile from the finish, yelling encouragement and cheering as runners passed. He read their names off their bibs, told them how close they were and sent them on their way with a high-five.
It was easy to spot him a races. Wells typically ran shirtless, which isn't unusual for marathon racers. But what made him stand out were the headbands he wore and the patterns he painted on his chest, which were often coordinated with the theme of the race.
"My heart was heavy this morning, running the River Trail and across the bridges Jacob loved so much!" Wade Mann posted Friday on Facebook. "It is very rare that I drop out of a race, but I am so glad I dropped out of the SW Half and spent an hour or so with Jacob giving high-fives and cheering on the other runners! It is a memory I will cherish forever!"
Big Phony
Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz has a better eye at the plate than he does at the jewelry store.
Big Papi is suing a California-based jeweler in a dispute regarding what Ortiz claims is $127,000 in "fake or low-quality diamond and gold jewelry" he purchased under the assumption that all of it was the real deal.
Ortiz, one of the top fashion plates in major league baseball, claims he was taken in something of a double-switch.
He is accusing Randy Hamida of Anaheim, Calif., as well as Randy's Mens Wear, Ltd. Inc., of fraud, breach of contract, and other violations stemming from a 2010 purchase, according to the Boston Globe. Ortiz thought he had bought a Breitling watch with diamonds and white and yellow gold, a diamond bracelet, and a set of black diamond earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet, according to a civil suit filed Thursday in Middlesex (Mass.) Superior Court.
When Ortiz had the jewelry appraised, he found it was "imitation or low-quality metal and gemstones," the suit alleges.
QUIZ
David Ortiz began his major-league career with what team?
ANSWER
The Minnesota Twins
Sports on 11/08/2014