Superheroes 4 Super Kids

Starting in 2023, I was inspired to fundraise for Nationwide Children’s Hospital in addition to dressing up for the race. While I don’t have much experience with fundraising, I raised over $1,500 thanks to many generous contributions.

This race felt more daunting than my previous ones because my training leading up to race day had been significantly limited. After a particularly tough training block in 2022, I took a break from running from November 6th to December 31st. This break allowed my body and mind to recover from the rigors of training. A combination of insufficient training blocks and career challenges prevented me from performing at my best in 2023. However, despite my personal struggles, there was a remarkable reaction to my costume as the penultimate superhero, Superman. One vivid memory is of a member of the downtown church group who chased after me, cheering, “Superman, Superman, Superman!”

Continuing a tradition from years past, at least one supporter in the crowd flipped the script from two years before, shouting, “Way to go, Spiderman!” as I ran by.