Woman with Spinal Injury Defies Odds by Running Marathons Worldwide

Wendy Garrett, a fitness instructor from Salem, has defied the odds by running marathons around the world despite a spinal cord injury that leaves the lower part of her leg immobile. She utilizes a specialized Swedish leg brace that enables her to participate in these demanding events. Her marathon journey has taken her to cities such as Paris, Sydney, and New York, and she recently secured a victory in the women’s Paralympic category at a marathon in Norway.

Garrett’s marathon journey began in 2013, three years after she suffered a serious injury from a motorized scooter accident while coaching on the island of Bermuda. For three years, she struggled with a bulky leg brace and faced a frustrating series of misdiagnoses from various medical professionals. Ultimately, it was the 25th doctor who diagnosed her condition as a spinal cord injury and recommended a new leg brace. Although this physician expressed doubt about her ability to run, Garrett was determined to pursue her passion.

Her first run in the new brace was around the block, an experience that solidified her resolve to continue running. Garrett reflects on her decision to trust her instincts rather than accept the doctor’s advice. She states, “If I’d listened to the doctor that said maybe not running, I would have missed out on the last 11 years of crazy adventures.” Today, she has completed marathons on all seven continents, with plans to run in Antarctica next winter, coinciding with summer in that region.

As she anticipates her Antarctic marathon, Garrett shares her preference for colder destinations. She is excited about the unique challenge of running over snow and ice, where penguins outnumber people. Garrett expresses a dual passion for both running marathons and exploring new places, a mission supported by various organizations, including the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which helps athletes with physical challenges compete in sports. Additionally, she receives support from Allard, the Swedish company that manufactures the transformative leg brace she has used for over a decade.

Garrett’s objective is to run marathons in as many countries as possible, with Dubai and Rio de Janeiro among her next targets. She cites her favorite cities for running thus far as New York City, Paris, and Oslo, each of which showcased the remarkable spirit of its spectators. Garrett notes, “It gives you hope in the human race a little bit… Especially when there’s things going on around the world, and you are looking around and you are seeing people from countries you’ve never heard of, but everyone is cheering each other on.” This sense of unity and encouragement fuels her passion for running.

Read the Full Story