From brain-injury patient to half-marathon participant: Family rejoices in 13-year-old runners journey – The Columbus Dispatch

Thousands of runners took to city streets early this morning for the 40th Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.

There are even more spectators than athletes — organizers estimate 100,000 people will be watching at some point along the race course — and Amy Greene and her daughters have loads of experience on that front.

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Ten-year-old Riley and her 6-year-old sister, Madison, have been hitting the road to cheer on their dad “since they were born,” Amy said. Dad Jeff is aiming to run a marathon in every state, and Oho was the pick this autumn for the family from Leesburg, Virginia.

The 18,000 or so runners come from at least 45 states and nine different countries. Half-marathon participants are as young as 12 and as old as 89; the youngest signed up to run the full marathon is 16 and the oldest, 77.

In addition to the athletes, nearly 1,000 “Children’s Champions” raise money for the hospital through the event.

rprice@dispatch.com

@RitaPrice