From McDowell Road to the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon: James ‘Bang’ Hulitt’s half marathon journey

By Indeya Womack

JA Guest Writer

Greatness isn’t always measured in trophies or spotlights. It can occasionally be discovered in the heart, resiliency, and persistent endurance. James “Bang” Hulitt, a proud native of Jackson, Mississippi, who currently resides in Texas, experienced that reality as soon as he crossed the finish line in Canada. Not only was it the conclusion of a race, but years of commitment, self-control, and discipline had led to it. 

Hulitt has deep roots on McDowell Road in South Jackson, where he was shaped by his hard work, community, and experiences. He has competed in many races before, but this one was unique. It gave him something deeper in exchange for everything he had. 

He ran an incredible 300 miles in August alone, training through the extreme heat of the Texas and Mississippi summers, pounding the pavement day after day, and persevering through fatigue when his body wanted to stop. This race was about conquering himself, not just about competing with others. 

On race day, the weather became unforgiving. The runners’ resolve was silently tested as winds tore through the course, particularly across a 3% incline bridge that wobbled beneath their feet. The rain then came, steady and cold, and it was sharp against their faces. Still, Hulitt pressed forward. He discovered a new gear with each gust and each drop. His focus never wavered. 

It was evident from the results. In his age group (40–44), Hulitt finished 52nd out of 429 runners, 321st out of 3,278 men, and 441st overall out of 9,636 runners. 

This moment felt almost poetic to those who know him. From his Jackson roots to his Texas training runs, Hulitt has always chased growth and purpose. That drive was symbolized by this race across the cradle of a bridge in a foreign nation, in wind and rain. It was the pinnacle of fulfillment. 

Hulitt conquered, not just finished. He demonstrated greatness is more about how far you’re willing to go than where you start. When he crossed the finish line in Canada, he carried with him the pride of every runner who ever dreamed big and every person from Jackson who knows that a start from the block can lead to legendary miles.