On May 22, 2011, a catastrophic EF5 tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri, leaving a trail of destruction that claimed 161 lives and caused nearly two billion dollars in damage. In the aftermath, the community faced the daunting task of rebuilding, not just their homes and infrastructure, but their collective spirit. Five years later, the city honors the victims and celebrates its resilience through the annual Joplin Memorial Marathon, a powerful testament to the enduring strength of a community that refused to be defined by tragedy.