INDIANAPOLIS…The Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5K, owned and produced by Carmel Road Racing Group, announced today that it will recognize Jean Driscoll as one of three Phenomenal Women to be introduced at this year’s race on Saturday, September 17, 2016. Indiana State Fair stage collapse survivor Andrea Villenga and national health advocate Tonya Lewis Lee were announced earlier.
Jean Driscoll was born with spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair since the age of fifteen. She is an 8-time winner of the Boston Marathon, has won two Olympic medals and 12 Paralympic medals and, in 2012, was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. Jean retired from her racing career in 2000 and now travels the world speaking about overcoming obstacles in life. She is a motivating voice for hundreds of thousands of people.
“Jean is one of the most phenomenal women I know,” says race director Todd Oliver. “We first engaged with her at the 2016 Carmel Marathon when we invited her to come and speak to school children in the Indianapolis area as well as to runners and sponsors of the marathon. She captivates her audience when she shares her story of overcoming adversity and achieving your dreams. She is one of the most inspiring leaders in women’s sports, inspiring both athletes and non-athletes and those with and without physical disabilities.”
Driscoll will speak to patients at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana on Friday, September 16 at noon. Her appearance at the hospital is sponsored by the Carmel Road Racing Group.
Driscoll will launch the inaugural wheelchair division at the 2016 Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5K as well as participate in the event’s opening ceremonies. “I am so humbled to be recognized by the Indy Women’s Half Marathon and really excited to help launch the inaugural wheelchair division at the race,“ said Driscoll. “We can all lead healthier lives and perform to the maximum of our abilities.”
The Opening Ceremonies at the event will begin at 7:15 a.m. at Ohio and Meridian Streets. Registration is open at www.indywomenshalfmarathon.com. Registration fee for the Half Marathon is $60 and the 5K is $25 through August 31st.