A Hattiesburg native and high school teacher recently held the nation’s fastest time in a 50-mile race after competing in the Mississippi 50 on March 1.
Joshua Moore, a teacher and coach at Oak Grove High School, completed the 50-mile race in 5 hours and 50 minutes. Moore also currently holds the Mississippi 50 course records for both the 50k and 20k distances.
Moore, who began his athletic career as a pole vaulter at William Carey University, transitioned into distance running while in college. His journey with the Mississippi 50 began about six years ago when he participated in a race on behalf of a friend.
“I had some friends that were running it, and I was going out there to support them and have a good time,” Moore said. “One of our other friends wasn’t going to be there, and he told me hey, go run the 20k for me.”
Moore won the 20k that year, which earned him a free entry to the following year’s race. He returned, set a course record, then continued to break his own records and ultimately claimed the 50k record as well.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in religion and history from William Carey, Moore explored career options before deciding to pursue teaching. He returned to school to earn a master’s degree in education, launching his teaching career at Benedict Day School, where he helped build the school’s track and cross-country programs.
Now a ninth and tenth grade teacher at Oak Grove High School, Moore continues to coach track and cross-country athletes.
“Coaching athletes was one of those things I immediately fell in love with,” he said. “I liked seeing kids get dirty, push themselves, get sweaty and go through different pains and tough times. Then to see the result of a PR, running something faster than they ever thought they could or throwing something farther than they thought they could is such a fulfilling feeling to have.”
Moore said his coaching philosophy was shaped by his college coach, Blake Hegstrum, who he said invested heavily in his athletes. Moore noted that several high school coaches in Mississippi were also mentored by Hegstrum.
While Moore said his accomplishments may inspire his students, he added that they often respond with lighthearted teasing.
“I think some of the first feedback I got from breaking the record out there was my athletes downplaying it,” Moore said. “But they are all good sports and at the end of the day, they cheer me on and I cheer them on.”
Moore said he hopes his example shows his athletes that limits can be pushed and surpassed.
“I try to show them that, you may think it’s impossible one day, work a year at it and then come back and see if it is still impossible,” he said.
Although Moore balances teaching, coaching and training, he prioritizes his students and athletes over his personal running goals. He is a member of Pine Belt Pacers, a local nonprofit running community that supports events and promotes health through activities along the Longleaf Trace.
Moore said his involvement in running has impacted his life personally and professionally, offering a sense of purpose and a way to connect with others.
“It wasn’t until I started running that I discovered that thing, that one thing, that I was really good at,” Moore said. “Obviously I’m not the best in the world, but I think that I am pretty exceptional, it happens naturally to me, and it is something I love pursuing.”
Moore is currently preparing to compete in the Tunnel Hill 50-Miler in Southern Illinois.
