Running long distances takes a blend of patience, intensity and pure talent.
And between the talent and work ethic that he possesses, Portsmouth's JJ Purcell is ideal for the next level of collegiate running.
One of the best long distance running talents statewide, Purcell will get to continue his career at the NCAA Division I level beginning in 2027, when the senior takes his abilities to Central Michigan and the Mid-American Conference to run for the next four years.
"Having the opportunity to run at Central Michigan University is something that I’m so grateful for," Purcell said. "Not every one gets that opportunity."
Purcell, who actually began running as a way to get into shape for basketball in middle school, a sport in which his family has a pretty rich history in, ended up picking up cross country and track at a greater intensity as his high school years began to take shape.
"I started running when I did track in seventh grade to get in shape for basketball," Purcell said. "I knew that I wanted to take it more serious when I was a freshman in high school after that freshman cross country season."
And Purcell has been nothing short of stout ever since.
Running for Portsmouth and being able to do so while a student at , Purcell advanced all the way to the 2024 OHSAA Division II Cross Country State Championships at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park in Metro Columbus as a sophomore. That year, Purcell finished 23rd in a field of 178 runners after posting a time of 15:44.80.
This past winter and spring saw Purcell add to his skillset.
In indoor track, Purcell won the 2026 Southeast District Indoor Championships in the 1,600 meter run with a time of 4:32.22, then lowered that time at the 2026 OATCCC (Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches) Indoor Track and Field State Meet, placing seventh with a 4:29.88 in a combined race that featured the best runners from the OHSAA Division III and OHSAA Division IV realms.
Then, in outdoor track, Purcell became a state qualifier in the 3,200 meter run. The 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Championship Outdoor Track and Field Runner-Up in the event to 2026 Rock Hill graduate and Ohio State signee Nixon Snavely bumped up the 9:55.27 that he ran at the event to a 9:38.35 in district competition, placing second again at the OHSAA Division III Southeast District Meet at Vinton County as a result.
Purcell then ran a 9:28.33 to finish fifth at the OHSAA Division III, Region 8 Meet to qualify for state en route to placing 15th overall in the event at the state level in his first state appearance in outdoor track.
"My favorite memory at Portsmouth is probably qualifying for state in the 3200 meter run after transferring to a school in a larger division (from Notre Dame to Portsmouth)," Purcell said. "Going from Division V to Division III and still making it to the (2026 OHSAA Track and Field) State Championships was truly incredible."
Purcell credits a refreshed mindset within the last year as a major reason for his success.
"My high school experience has evolved, and I think that was a thing that contributed to my success," Purcell said. "I was even at a point where I questioned if I truly loved the sport, but eventually I was able to change my mindset and run even faster times then before. I don’t regret dropping out of the postseason race in districts last year in the fall because if that didn’t happen, I don’t think my attitude to the sport would have improved."
Speaking of success, Portsmouth very well has the top-three distance runners in the entire Ohio Valley Conference.
In Purcell along with fellow teammates Reid Click and Ian Putnam, the Trojans could have, depending on their performances going forward, three potential state qualifiers waiting in the wings.
"My teammates, especially Reid Click and Ian Putnam, have really made me love the aesthetics of the sport," Purcell said. "They have always helped me be the best version of myself in different ways, I’ll always be grateful to have teammates like them. The running community in Portsmouth/Scioto County, from normal everyday hobby joggers to high school distance athletes, has grown tremendously. I just love running through Portsmouth and seeing other people on their runs as well. I really hope Portsmouth and Scioto County continue to grow as an active community."
Ultimately, Purcell said that the atmosphere within the Mount Pleasant, Mich.-based program won out. The future distance runner wants to become a business executive following the conclusion of his running career.
"What sold me on Central Michigan, even though I had other multiple Division I offers, was the culture of the men’s distance program," Purcell said. "They are like a family, and I want to be a part of that. (Sarah) Anderson is a huge factor on my commitment as I see her as a great coach to help me be the best version of myself in the NCAA."
But while in the near future, Purcell's feet won't be on the ground in Mount Pleasant for another 10 months. For now, his focus is squarely on getting state recognition for Portsmouth and reaching All-Ohio status in both cross country and track.
"I want to continue being solid from cross country to track and get All-Ohio again," Purcell said. "Once I get to college, I want to be a huge contributor for my team at Central Michigan. I know that competing at the Division I level isn’t easy, but I believe my best years will be in college."