JEFFERSON CITY — Former professional athlete and founder of Athletics Against Substance Abuse Jamaal Tatum celebrates his birthday different from most.

Tatum has a tradition of running the number of miles equal to the age that he is turning each year. On Saturday, he is turning 41 and plans to run 41 miles in Jefferson City.

This unique birthday tradition stems from Tatum's passion to mentor kids and assist with substance abuse issues. Tatum has made it a mission to celebrate his birthday each year substance-free.

"So every year for my birthday, instead of going out and hanging at some bar, I decided I wanted to be sober on every birthday I ever have, and a good way I figured to do that is to give myself a hard run," Tatum said.

Tatum usually plans to train two to three months in advan

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