FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Boe
801-412-6060
SALT LAKE CITY MARATHON'S INAUGURAL HUMAN SPIRIT AWARD HONORS LOCAL HERO
Award Recognizes Outstanding Character,
Triumph over Adversity and Inspiration to Others
Salt Lake City, (May 13, 2005) - Capping an outstanding day for the 2nd
Annual Salt Lake City Marathon on April 23rd, Chicago-based Devine Racing
inaugurated its annual Human Spirit Award. This year's recipient, selected
from more than 100 entrants, was 27-year-old Ben Wilkinson from Salt Lake
City.
Devine Racing's unique Human Spirit Award recognizes individual triumphs
over adversity, illustrates each runner's passion for the sport and
highlights personal stories that inspire others. The criteria for judging
included that the recipient exemplify outstanding character, can-do spirit
and perseverance. Overcoming a significant life obstacle or setback to
achieve the completion of the race, exhibiting traits considered
inspirational, motivational and captivating were also deciding factors.
Ben Wilkinson is a huge measure of all those qualities. At the inaugural
Salt Lake City Marathon last April, Ben Wilkinson crossed the finish line
in the late afternoon - on crutches. Event workers, police officers,
onlookers and race personnel stopped, completely overwhelmed, and burst
into spontaneous applause for this outstanding young man. Diagnosed with
cerebral palsy at a toddler, he has used crutches since the age of four.
Coming from an athletic family, Ben dreamed of becoming a star athlete but
had to settle for a position as team manager. He had never been told to
work out...the doctors were not sure this was even beneficial.
Roughly 18 months ago, relegated to the sidelines by his illness, Ben
decided to push the boundaries of what he could do and set a goal to run a
marathon. He trained for six grueling months. "I decided that I had to
stop worrying about the things I can't change and find out just what I was
capable of," Ben explained. Ben crossed the finish line to the waiting
arms of his family and awestruck onlookers. His hands were blistered, and
he wore out a pair of shoes and crutch tips during the 26.2 miles. "I am
so grateful to the marathon organizers for their support during this time.
This has been one of the most spiritual experience of my life....it has
changed my life."
Devine Race Chairman Chris Devine noted, "Running is a very personal
experience and something that is very near and dear to my heart. There are
so many wonderful stories of human triumph. Here is a man who is a beacon,
a shining light, who turned major setbacks into a positive situation. He's
an inspiration and role model to everyone who hears his story. He
exemplifies HUGE spirit in the face of adversity and has had an amazing
will to overcome. It is all of our good fortune to meet him and hear his
triumphant story."
Race Director Greg Reid added, "The Human Spirit Award was given to the
athlete that best conveys the spirit of the Salt Lake City Marathon. These
runners are all winners and all unique - they reflect what our Marathon is
all about."
Devine Racing is involved with numerous marathons throughout the United
States, and launched the Human Spirit Award in September 2004. Devine
Racing proudly continues the tradition here with the Salt Lake City
Marathon as well as The Chicago Half Marathon, the Las Vegas Marathon, the
Los Angeles Marathon and will expand to include other marathons and races
around the country as the company continues to add marathons and half
marathons to its portfolio.
Following the awards ceremony, Ben joined his family and at the Delta
Center for a post race concert by the legendary rockers, Third Eye Blind.
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