One man’s inspiring story is taking him all the way to the Boston Marathon
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Andrew Peterson is making history.
He’s only the second Special Olympic athlete ever to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome at birth, he’s been running against the odds all his life with his adopted father Craig at his side pushing him to soar past his limits.
They discovered his talent for distance running when he was in elementary school and they haven’t looked back.
Now at 26, he’s preparing to compete in one of the biggest marathons in the world and with his hometown of Indianapolis behind him, it means that much more.
“He’s just inspired so many people,” friend and fellow marathon runner, Jesse Davis said.
“There’s a community following Andrew that’s supporting him and whatever his goals are, we’re going to be behind him.”
“Just that constant encouragement, Andrew really thrives on that so I think that’ll be a great motivator,” Craig Peterson said.
“[I can] be that kid from Indiana who can represent Indiana,” Andrew said.
Andrew says he has a goal of running his race in under two hours and 50 minutes.
He qualified with a time of two hours and 57 minutes.
Andrew and Craig are headed to Boston Wednesday, April 10, so they can prepare for the race and he has a couple of speaking engagements before the weekend.
The Boston Marathon kicks off Monday, April 14.