CINCINNATI -- Each runner in the Flying Pig has their own story to tell, but none may be more triumphant than that of Alison Delgado.
Delgado won the Flying Pig Marathon 10 years ago at the age of 22, but then tragedy struck.
“I'm lucky to be alive and as well as I am right now. I count my blessings everyday,” Delgado said.
She was hit by a car in 2010 while cycling and spent the next several weeks in intensive care.
Delgado returned to the race in 2012 but she’s had unfinished business ever since.
This year, she came in third, but her place wasn’t as important to her as her time -- a few seconds under three hours.
“I thought this year will be 10 years since I won the race so let's go back and see what happens. Let's train for it and see what happens and I got it today so I'm thrilled,” Delgado said.
She said no matter where people finish, they should feel victorious because of all the personal struggles a runner has to go through to take those final steps.
“If you stand at the finish line and watch people cross the emotional release is just unbelievable,” Delgado said.
In her sunglasses, Delgado wore a message like that of Lauren Hill’s. She said she was particularly touched at the family’s special station at Mile 22.
“I wish I could've shown them the sunglasses my husband got me for Valentine's Day that say, ‘Never give up.’ So that's always kind of been my motto and praying for them as well,” Delgado said.
Delgado finished with a time of 2:59:55 and a serious sense of accomplishment.
