Woman With ALS To Compete In OKC's Memorial Marathon As Part Of Her 50 Marathons Goal

Andrea Peet’s story is one of courage and strength.

She will be participating in this weekend’s Memorial Marathon in Oklahoma City. She is set to be the first person with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to race a marathon in all 50 states.

In 2014, Peet was 33 and told she would die in two to five years from ALS. 

After her diagnosis, the former triathlon athlete wanted to make the most of her life while staying connected to her pre- ALS life. 

Peet started riding a recumbent trike and raced her first marathon with ALS. She thought that would be her last one. 

“When she crossed the finish line, she was shocked that a lot of people stayed around,” said Shaw Hipsher. “Even though she was the last finisher. They were really inspired by her and thought maybe this something I can do.”

After this positive response, Peet decided to set the goal of racing a marathon in all 50 states. Oklahoma is #43.

“It will be special,” said Peet. “Because it is turning a tragedy into something positive that puts the community together.”

Peet hopes that she inspires others through her story, as well as raise awareness for ALS. 

Her and her husband’s organization, Team Drea, has raised more than $750,000 for ALS research. If you want to donate to Team Drea, click here.

If you want to support her this weekend, she will be doing the marathon on Sunday.