Marathon Magic: Meet Three Runners Bursting with Inspiration

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Are you thinking about getting back into shape but struggling to start? You might want to reconsider your reasons for not beginning. Get inspired by these three individuals who have conquered challenges that most people will never face.

All three of them will be participating in the Bakersfield Marathon on March 30, competing across various distances.

Jim Miller, despite being a seasoned marathon runner, is competing in the briefest race, which spans six kilometers. On the other hand, James Sproul is participating in the 13-mile event, known as the half-marathon.

Javier Cruz is participating in the complete 26.2-mile event — which marks his 105th marathon throughout his lifetime.

They're all focused on fitness, persistence, teamwork, and community.

I wish to have a lengthy life," stated Cruz. "Furthermore, I aim to inspire others.

It appears he derives just as much enjoyment from discussing running as he does from actually doing it.

I jog for enjoyment," Cruz stated. "I don’t run out of obligation. I feel content and tranquil.

He has conquered numerous challenges. When he was just 6 years old, his lower body was trapped under a boulder, and the physician informed his mother that he wouldn’t be able to walk anymore. He ticked off that milestone ages ago.

Two years ago, he lost a kidney due to cancer.

But that didn't deter me," he stated. "I returned after 25 days and completed the Bakersfield half marathon.

With staples along his side?

"Staples in my sides," Cruz verified.

Dr. James Sproul, who has partially retired from medicine, has some experience with running despite lacking certain components.

“I’m running with one leg and so I have a blade,” Sproul said. “And that helps.”

Twenty years ago, his lower right leg was removed because it didn’t recover from a strange impacted fracture. Four years back, the Challenged Athletes Foundation assisted him in buying his blade prosthesis, which is costly and typically not included in insurance plans.

My daughter was getting ready for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego," Sproul mentioned, "and she wouldn’t stop pestering me, telling me, 'Dad, since you enjoy running, get yourself a prosthetic running blade.' It took her around four months of constant nagging, but eventually, I gave in.

Now he shows some of the same characteristics as Cruz that one would associate with the Pied Piper.

Rise and get started," he said. "You've got this. We'll jog together. Begin at a gentle pace.

Jim Miller, a seasoned runner who has completed seven marathons, plans to conserve his energy for a grueling 100-mile race scheduled in Santa Barbara County in May; therefore, he will participate instead in the Bakersfield 6K event on March 30th. Like Jim, another participant is also lacking a piece of their body—a thyroid gland removed due to cancer approximately eight years prior.

I had never gone for a run since high school," Miller stated. "Then I realized I couldn’t even make it to the mailbox and back without needing to rest due to the cancer. So, I struck a bargain with God: If He helped me regain my health, I would start running again. That’s where it all began. I'm worried that if I ever stop running, God might cash in His favor, so I continue keeping up with it.

The trio concurs that one of the greatest benefits of their commitment to running lies in its social and contemplative elements.

Engaging in running has connected me with friends worldwide," Miller stated, "and it's incredibly beneficial for my mental health. Whenever I'm grappling with business problems, they often get resolved during my runs.

And you believed that long-distance running was just about perspiring and battling muscle cramps? True, it involves some of that. However, according to those three fellows, every bit of it is completely worthwhile.

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