From the 5k race on Saturday to the full marathon on Sunday, everyone has a reason for why they run the Route 66 Marathon.
“I'm looking forward to the crowd, the people, my family, my kids are going to be there and it's my birthday so who knows what I might get!" said Wendy Lumpkin, who is running the 5K race on Saturday.
Until a few weeks ago, she was on the couch, looking for a training program.
For her, the 3.1-miles are a new beginning, putting a past of domestic violence behind her.
“It definitely is like a high. It's energizing. It's freeing. It's rejuvenating. It's very powerful what it's done for me," said Lumpkin.
For Gabrielle Platt, Sunday’s 26.2-mile race will be an inspiration for the entire community.
“I like to tell people it's like an upside down bicycle. So if you can imagine an upside down bicycle that's me! That's me! Laying down. Pumping away," said Platt.
Platt lost her ability to walk several years ago when she was shot in the back.
Now she’s hooked on racing.
Her friends have cheered her on through months of training.
"I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful for the support that I do have from the community because without it I wouldn't be able to get out and do all the things I do," said Platt.
It only took a couple of hours to get enough money raised through crowd source funding so Platt could race this year during the marathon.
“She's been trying to get me on the bike for years and I guess I just finally said-I just jumped you know and just did it. I was like, 'if she can do this and I definitely can do this!' If she can tackle these 15Ks and these big marathon races then I can build myself up to do the same," said Miles.
Platt has one main motto.
Keep moving.
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