Kayleigh Williamson, a 34-year-old runner from Texasis the only woman with Down syndrome to complete the New York marathon. Her historic achievements in athletics began in 2023 as the first woman with Down syndrome to cross the finish line in New York Marathon. This year, she returned to defend her reign and continue her inspiring journey. According to Run-4 Athletic Company, a US-based clothing brand, Williamson set a new personal best during the November 3 marathon.

Kayleigh Williamson Script History

The 2024 New York Marathon was Kayleigh Williamson’s third marathon. She completed the Austin Marathon in her hometown, where she made history as the first runner with Down syndrome. She has also completed at least 23 half marathons, according to her social media page.

Williamson first started running in 2017 when she and her mother, Sandy, embarked on a fitness journey. This athleticism quickly turned into a passion that would last a lifetime. The mother-daughter duo dedicated their races to Williamson’s grandmother, who was admitted to a nursing home for Alzheimer’s disease.

Sandy said PEOPLE“My mom was telling us how she escaped from the nursing home and traveled to all these places like California and Colorado. So we started finding races in those states to turn her temporary memory into a permanent memory . Kayleigh took back her medal and showed it to my mother.

According to a The world of runners In this interview, Williamson wanted to compete in New York because her grandmother always promised to take her there one day to see the cityscape lit up. However, she died before this was possible, so Williamson decided to run on her behalf.

“(Grandma) always told me I inspired others and she was so proud of me,” Willaimson said. The runner’s world. The marathon runner not only runs to pursue her love for athletics but also to break myths and raise awareness Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.