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SALT LAKE CITY — Ten-year-old Reese Thorne smiled in triumph as he crossed the finish line of the Frigid 5K on Jan. 18. Even with the ice-cold temperatures, Reese was able to endure to the finish of what would be his 91st race in the space of two years.
Just like any boy his age, Reese loves to be active, especially running. He loves going fast and feeling the breeze on his face. He looks forward to race day, where he gets the chance to be around friends and family and have each of them cheer for him as he crosses the finish line.
However, unlike most boys his age, Reese completes these races on “borrowed legs.”
Born at 24 weeks weighing just 1 pound, 5 ounces, Reese was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Confined to a wheelchair and needing to communicate with others through facial expressions and the use of a touch-screen computer, the 10-year-old is dependant on the legs of others to reach his goals.
And he is finding many athletes who are more than willing to lend their legs as they push him in a stroller toward the finish.
Triathlon can be a selfish sport, focusing on getting faster, better and ever checking finishing places and times. These experiences allow us to give back; they allow us to share our talents, as well as share our love of the sport; they allow these kids an experience they wouldn't otherwise be able to have. There is nothing like crossing the finish line with these kids. Smiles and tears abound.
–Triathlete Amber Foster, who has pushed Reese in many races
Triathlete Amber Foster, who has pushed Reese in many races, including the Ghost Town triathlon, the TriUtah Echo triathlon, Memorial 10K Run, Porters Half Marathon and the Witches Run 5K, says that pushing Reese is a unique and special experience.
Foster, who connected with Reese after reaching out to a group called “Push to the Finish” that teams athletes up with children with disabilities, said that she had always wanted to push a child with disabilities in a race.
“Triathlon can be a selfish sport, focusing on getting faster, better and ever checking finishing places and times,” she said. “These experiences allow us to give back; they allow us to share our talents, as well as share our love of the sport; they allow these kids an experience they wouldn't otherwise be able to have. There is nothing like crossing the finish line with these kids. Smiles and tears abound.”
There are many kids like Reese who would like the chance to experience the excitement, competition and sense of accomplishment that participating in a road race brings, and on Feb. 5, there will be a half marathon held for these kids to do just that.
Jared Eborn from Extra Mile Racing has organized an event inspired by Reese, which he fittingly calls, “Reese’s Run.”
Held at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns, the race will be for those who are racing with borrowed legs and those who are willing to lend those legs.
The fee is $25 for pushers and $5 for pushees, with all proceeds being donated to “Team Kid Courage” to buy adaptive running strollers that will give many adaptive athletes the chance to participate in outdoor races with the help of borrowed legs.
“I really hope the things that are realized through this race are first, that anything is possible for our children with special needs; they just accomplish the goal a little different than others and with a little help from amazing people right in our community," said Carla Thorne, Reese's mother.
Thorne encouraged parents with special-needs children to try going on runs with them.
“Parents will never know if this is something their child will enjoy until they try it, and there isn't a better time than this race,” she said. “It is indoors, so the weather isn't an issue, and at the Oval you can have your eye on your child the entire time. Also, children love to feel like they have accomplished something great and that they are a winner. At this race, no matter if it's three laps or 40, everyone will receive a medal, as well as make a great friend in their new racing buddy.”
Reese’s buddy will again be Foster, and when Foster heard about the race, she said she was thrilled.
“What a great tribute to not only Reese, but every child that has participated in these races,” she said. “ I think it is such a great opportunity to allow these kids to participate in a great sport as well as educate the community. Disabled children often miss community opportunities for reasons such as depressed immune systems, financial constraints or other limitations. These events are providing important and positive quality of life opportunities. It also gives athletes an opportunity to give back to the sport. So it is a win for everyone!”
To learn more about the event or to register, go to http://extramileracing.com/reese/
Arianne is a mother to six young children. Her down time is spent running the mountain trails of the Wasatch Mountains and beyond. Contact her at ariannebrown1@gmail.com, follow her on Twitter @arimom6 or search her Facebook page, "A Mother's Write."
