Lifestyle

Child With Heart Condition Runs Houston Half Marathon in Under 3 Hours

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Tony Maples Photography

 

“When I crossed the finish line I nearly cried. I realized I did this in under three hours. It was really hard to compose myself in that moment,” Jack Guyre told KHOU. At only 12-years-old, Guyre is introspective and eloquent, perhaps because he’s already endured major medical hardships. Guyre completed a half marathon in Houston earlier this month despite having multiple surgeries throughout his short life due to being born with a hole in his heart.

Dr. Daniel Penny, chief of Cardiology at Texas Children’s Hospital and Guyre’s doctor, also spoke to KHOU. He said, “Just because you have heart disease doesn’t mean you have to play chess for the rest of your life. Jack has overcome great challenges that we thankfully haven’t had to face. And he’s come through those with great spirit and great determination.”

RunnersWorld.com explains that half marathons are growing in popularity, but completing one is a difficult feat that requires dedicated training for many weeks leading up to the event. The length of the race is a grueling 13.1 miles long! Even though it isn’t easy, Guyre is up for another challenge and says he’s already signed up for next year’s event.