Avon woman finds solace at the start line

When Ashley Russell of Avon was a kid, she broke her leg, ankle and growth plate and was left with a permanent disability - no more sports, soccer team or gym class. Then in 2011, she was in a car accident that resulted in neck and back injuries, making some days painfully difficult to endure. Ashley gained weight, felt isolated and developed depression.

Feeling like she was at rock bottom, Ashley decided to fight to get her life back. She began walking and has shed 90 pounds since. Last May, she decided to walk her first 5K and surprised herself at the start line, feeling proud of her decision and dedication to get healthy.

Now Ashley’s goal is to complete the Charity 5K at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon on October 12 as part of the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s 2019 Aiello Inspiration Team, a group of runners with incredible reasons for participating in the annual Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon this fall.

For more information about the Aiello Inspiration Team, visit: https://bit.ly/2yuN4tE