Miles for Marv: A Memorial 5k & 1-Mile Fun Run in Memory of Marvin Jarman

Miles for Marv Memorial Race
Honoring the Legacy of Marvin Jarman.

Join us for the inaugural Miles for Marv Memorial Race, a community 5K and 1-mile walk created to honor the life and legacy of Marvin Jarman, affectionately known throughout Greenville as “The Greenville Legend.”

To know Marvin was to know kindness.

Born in Sterling, Colorado, Marvin spent most of his life in Greenville, North Carolina, where he became one of the community’s most beloved and recognizable faces. Because his brother played sports, Marvin became connected to the J.H. Rose athletic community at an early age. What began as an interest in watching his brother grew into a lifelong dedication to J.H. Rose and the student-athletes who came through its halls.

For decades, Marvin could be found on the sidelines, in the stands, and around the athletic community cheering on the Rampants. He attended more than 1,300 J.H. Rose athletic events, including every Rose football game since 1972 and every basketball game since 1966.

Year after year, generation after generation, Marvin showed up.

But Marvin was more than a fan.

He became a part of the J.H. Rose family and a familiar face to students, athletes, coaches, parents, and community members. His presence at games was something people came to expect, and his encouragement made people feel supported. Marvin had a smile that could light up a room and a special gift for making people feel seen and valued. His kindness was not limited to the people he knew. He had a way of making everyone around him feel like they mattered.

Marvin’s dedication to his community did not go unnoticed. He received the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Special Person Award for his impact on the lives of others. J.H. Rose High School honored him by naming a street Marvin Jarman Drive. His story was also captured in a book about his life, and a plaque honoring Marvin now hangs at the entrance of Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park.
As one article about Marvin put it, “He was Greenville. He was J.H. Rose.”

That is the legacy we want to carry forward.

Miles for Marv was created as a way for the community to come together and celebrate the life of someone who spent so many years showing up for others. Marvin spent his life encouraging young people, supporting local athletics, and giving his time and attention to the people around him. This race gives us an opportunity to do the same.

Whether you knew Marvin personally, grew up seeing him at J.H. Rose games, heard his story, or are learning about him for the first time, you are invited to be part of this celebration. Participants can choose between the 5K or 1-mile walk, making the event accessible for runners, walkers, families, students, alumni, athletes, and community members of all ages.

Most importantly, this race is about more than one day. Funds raised through Miles for Marv will help establish a scholarship connected to the annual Marvin Jarman Award, which is presented to a J.H. Rose High School student who demonstrates character, school spirit, and service to others. In this way, Marvin’s legacy of showing up, encouraging others, and serving his community can continue to impact future generations.

So come run for Marvin.
Come walk for Marvin.
Come celebrate the memories.
Come support the next generation.
Honoring a legend. Inspiring future generations.

Awards:

5k:
Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female
Top Male and Female in following age categories: 10 & Under, 11–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+

5k Ruck:
Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female