Some people are just born to be a runner.
Jeff Haynes is one of them, even if he didn't know it at first.
The 51-year-old Prescott, Ark., native began running while in eighth grade, but not by choice.
"In the eighth grade I was a hurdler and high jumper," said Haynes."The coach said he needed someone to run the mile so I volunteered. I ran a 5:08 and I was hooked for good."
He won his first 5K (3.1 miles) at age 14, and his first 10K in Arkadelphia at 15."I guess I've won about 50-60 5K or 10K races in my 37-year career," Haynes said. "My best time in the 5K is 15.35.
He has never won the Run the Line half marathon, but finished sixth overall last year with a time of 1:27.24.
While at Prescott High School he still holds the school record in the mile and two-mile that were set in 1983 and 1984. His time in the mile was 4:30 and the two-mile in 10:04.
After high school he went to Arkansas Tech and competed in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter events, which is equivalent to a 5K and 10K.
He graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark., and got his degree in Sports Medicine.
During his college years he married, Denise, from Hope, Ark., and they have a daughter, Alex.
He was in the rehabilitation business in Hope for 23 years, and got his Master's Degree in teaching in 2007.
He came to Trinity Christian High School in 2007, and developed an outstanding cross country and track and field program.
During his nine years at Trinity, his teams have won 15 Class 1A state championships in cross country and track.
One of my happiest and proudest moments was the 2007 state championship in which my daughter was on the team.
Another outstanding moment came during the 2016 season at Trinity.
"One of my runners was Elizabeth Gillette who won the Class 1A state title in the 3200 and finished second in the 1600," said Haynes. "She broke the previous state record in both events. I've had Gillette and Sydney Cowgill in the program since 7th grade."
Gillette was the overall fourth-place female finisher last year with a time of 1:36.11. She is now attending Arkansas State University.
Haynes believes that being a runner himself has a big impact on his runners. "I believe they feed directly from the coach."
Haynes is now the cross country coach at Pleasant Grove, and an assistant track coach. "I think we'll be very competative in our district this year."
While Haynes is extremely proud of his running accomplishments, he is equally proud of what his runners have done.
Haynes will not be retiring from racing anytime soon, and will be around a long time helping young runners achieve their goals.