Visiting my family in Vermont this weekend I learned that the Vermont City Marathon was being held on Sunday, May 27th. I had a chance to be inspired by many different runners. Of course the first place finishers for the men and women (my daughter especially routed for the woman) were great. Then there were the super heroes who were running the form of three young men dressed as Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, and Thor! Very entertaining!
But there were the unsung heroes that were especially inspiring. The army cadets running with full backpacks. The injured vet with a scar on his leg that clearly demonstrated how much he sacrificed for our country. The young handicapped woman who ran with a guide and jog stroller. There was an older runner who was plugging away with the 5 hour finish pacers who ran with such dignity and grace that you couldn't help but cheer louder. Then there was the young woman who injured her ankle yet she continued to walk the remainder of the race. This young woman reminded me of the 1968 Tanzanian Olympic marathoner, John Steven Akhwari, who injured his knee early in the race, yet he continued on. Nothing I write will do this story justice, so why don't you watch it for your self.
If only we all could have half the amount of courage and perseverance as Mr. Akwari!
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