This article is brought to you by Marvin’s Auto Repair and Service. Located at 111 E. Gano St., Marvin’s is ready and able to repair vehicles of most makes and models, affordably and professionally. They also can provide service to your vehicle, from oil changes to tire rotations. To schedule a repair or service appointment, call 765-553-7074.
If there is a 5k anywhere around Howard County, it's likely led by a pack of pink t-shirts and black chariots. That half marathon in Indianapolis this spring? More pink and black, right at the head of the pack.
Those racers belong to Ainsley's Angels of America, and the North Central Indiana (Howard County) chapter is a proud participant. They'll next appear on March 1-3 as part of a 4x4x48 running fundraiser for Ainsley’s Angels, organized by participating runner Shannon Spencer.
Spencer has run with the charity almost since the beginning. She learned of the charity from a fellow runner in 2017, and once she participated, she was hooked. A serious runner herself, Spencer realized she could combine her exercise of choice with a good cause. Now, she's a big cheerleader for the organization.
"It's just not about running," said Spencer. "People get scared of that word. It's more than that. It's the connection you make with the kids. When you see them smile, you smile. And you can walk. You don't have to run."
The goal of the charity is to give disabled children the opportunity to experience “running” in a 5k or marathon. In order for the children to participate, a special "chariot" is needed. These three-wheeled chairs are designed to allow a runner or walker to push the rider comfortably for long distances. While the chariots are well-constructed, they do wear out after hundreds or even thousands of miles of use.
The upcoming 4x4x48 is a fundraiser to purchase two chariots so that even more children can experience the joy of mobility. The chairs cost as much as $7,000 each, so the fundraising effort is in full force.
"They're expensive, but they last a long time," said Spencer. "And we take care of them. We take the chariots wherever we go. If there's a 5k in Louisiana, the chariots go with us."
Ainsley's Angels also has a scholarship program to help defray travel costs for riders who want to participate. Funds are always being raised for that program. A donation to the organization will stay local.
So, what is this 4x4x48 that keeps being mentioned? For most, it probably sounds like a form of torture. Participants run four miles every four hours across 48 hours. That's 48 miles in 12 runs over two days.
Now in its fourth year, this year's event runs March 1-3, beginning at 11 p.m. on March 1 at CrossFit Kokomo, 1080 S. Dixon Road. Spencer said the event will have new features to entertain the kids. A pair of bounce houses and a magician are in the plans.
"We want things for the kids to do to encourage them to participate, but we also want more runners," said Spencer. "Our goal is to raise $10,000-$12,000 to purchase chariots."
In order to participate or donate, visit www.ainsleysangels.org. When donating, make sure to choose North Central Indiana as the destination for the funds. Registration is required to join the Ainsley's Angels team. This also can be completed on the website.
Participants in the local chapter can be found at almost any running event in the area. Spencer explained that the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon is probably the big event for the local group. A lot of the members turn out for it, and Ainsley's Angels enjoys a lot of visibility from the event.
"We actually start the race," said Spencer. "A lot of people don't realize that we are before the elite runners. And that's really exciting. Eventually, those elite runners pass you, sure. But it's a lot of fun!"
Spencer can and does run a lot of races, but it is the child in the chariot who keeps her close to Ainsley's Angels. Their stories and their smiles keep her motivated.
"Jeremy and Lesley Hillis have a son, Hudson, who had a pediatric stroke at the age of three," said Spencer. "Hudson has some disabilities, and running a 5k on his own is just not possible. So, Hudson goes in the chariot. I got to push him two years ago at the YMCA Glo in the 'Mo.
"Then there is Justin. He loves fire trucks. So, when we do the 4x4x48, the fire department brings the trucks out. We stop to take a look and get some pictures. He loves listening to Michael Jackson, so I get my speaker out and he sings along as we go."
Another child, Annie, is a big competitor from her chariot seat. At a recent race, she came alongside Mayor Tyler Moore, who was pushing a chariot on behalf of the charity. She admonished the mayor when she saw him.
"Annie said, 'Mayor, why are you walking?'" said Spencer, "And he's like, 'Because I'm tired.' And she's like, 'This is a race!' They will definitely get you going, you know?"
Owen, age 16, is a long-time participating rider and might be the person Spencer most admires. She got the opportunity to push his chariot in 2022 when his regular pusher suffered a heart attack prior to the U.S. Marine Corps Marathon.
"Owen and I have become really close," said Spencer. "I got to push him 26.2 miles. He is special to me. He's a survivor. When he was 3 years old, his parents put him in a boiling hot aquarium. He's burnt across 98 percent of his body.
“He lost his legs a few years ago. Running is not something that he can really do at this point. But he's working toward that goal. He has a couple of siblings who are disabled, and one day he wants to push them in a 5k."
There is another rider who captured everyone's hearts. Bella Wright was an enthusiastic participant with Ainsley's Angels. Suffering from Dravet Syndrome, a rare and debilitating version of epilepsy, the young girl never spoke a word, but she commanded the love and attention of everyone around her.
Bella passed away on Jan. 10 at the age of 11. Spencer said Bella will be honored during the 4x4x48 at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m. on March 2. Mayor Moore will read a proclamation in her honor. Moore's Home Health also has donated $1,500 in Bella's honor to go toward purchasing a chariot.
For additional information about the 4x4x48 and to follow local events, follow the Ainsley's Angels in Indiana Facebook page.