West Union resident Sonya Rae Evans has been named one of this year’s Spirit Award winners for the Columbus Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Marathon and Half Marathon. The Spirit Award recognizes individuals who have overcome challenges and obstacles to train for and participate in this year’s event. There are 19,000 people participating in this year’s event on Oct. 18 and Sonya is one of the 10 selected as a Spirit Award winner.

In January 2013, Sonya learned she had stage 3, non-small cell lung cancer. Sixteen months after completing her radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Sonya ran in the 2014 Flying Pig Half Marathon. Sonya’s tumor has stopped growing but it is inoperable. She attributes her determination and strength to God and God’s healing powers. According to her nomination, “Sonya sees the world with such gratitude and grace and is an inspiration to all who know her.”

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, Oct. 18. The Marathon, now in its 36th year, is the largest marathon in Ohio and the 16th largest in the United States. The Half Marathon is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2015 and is the largest Half Marathon in Columbus. More than $3 million has been raised for Nationwide Children’s Hospital since it became the title beneficiary of the event in 2012. For more information, visit www.columbusmarathon.com.

Sonya Evans of West Union has been named a Spirit Award winner by the Columbus Children’s Hospital Marathon.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_Sonya2.jpgSonya Evans of West Union has been named a Spirit Award winner by the Columbus Children’s Hospital Marathon. Submitted photo

Staff Report