Free to Run the Distance

Chilean minor Edison Pena ran to keep in shape while trapped in the mine for about three months. The conditions were harsh, 90 degree weather and only boots to run in. He used running to keep in shape and keep him mentally well. The New York Road Runners extended an invitation to him to come to the NYC ING Marathon.

Their hope was that he would inspire people to run and show how it helped him through his hard time. Their plan was for him to go on TV and wait at the finish line to greet the first runner coming through the ribbon.

Pena replied immediately that he would not only go to the marathon, he would run in it.

For anyone who has run a marathon they know that training begins at least five months before, and that this would be a daunting nearly impossible task for the minor who only ran 6 miles a day.

His determination to succeed stayed with him throughout the entire race. Pena finished in 5 hours and 40 minutes. He walked for some of it, but ran majority of the time.

He was featured on many news stations and the world was watching to see if he would succeed.

Edison Pena less than a year ago was a minor in Chile. Today he has come to America and lived out his dream by inspiring many and gaining fame for what he has survived and now what he has accomplished.

Pena hopes to run another marathon and continue to improve him form and time. For the thousands who run or have run a marathon they know what an accomplishment it is to actually finish the grueling route through the five bureaus of New York City.