Manchester resident overcomes lung transplant to compete in 5K

Laura Roix didn’t let a rare lung disease slow her down - she used it as motivation to keep moving. The Manchester resident will be participating next month in another Charity 5K at the Eversource Hartford Marathon to prove how she continues to overcome health challenges through exercise.

In 2013, Laura began an exercise program despite the fact that the rare lung disease she was diagnosed with had no cure. Doctors gave her a life expectancy of 3-5 years, but the exercise regimen that was developed for her at Hospital for Special Care kept her physically and mentally active until 2017 when she was finally granted a lung transplant. She trained for the 2017 Charity 5K at the Eversource Hartford Marathon as she regained her strength and crossed the finish line later that year. She accomplished a feat she never could have imagined in Hartford, and she will return to do it again this October.

Laura Roix has been named to the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s 2018 Aiello Inspiration Team, a small group of local participants with incredible reasons for stepping up to the start line at the 25th running of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday, October 13, 2018, in Bushnell Park, Hartford. This year’s team highlights inspiring individuals who have shared meaningful history with HMF’s signature annual event since it began in 1994, which has expanded to include Marathon, Half marathon, Team 26.2 Relay and Charity 5K. There's a distance for everyone- runners, walkers, families, charities and volunteers- to come together in a moving display of community spirit.

“We’re excited to recognize this inspiring group of people for our 25th celebration,” said Beth Shluger, CEO of the Hartford Marathon Foundation and Race Director of the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. “All of them have some connection to our signature event in Hartford – whether it was their first marathon, their first race or a meaningful moment in their lives. The people make race day so special - participants, volunteers, spectators and partners - they’re a huge part of our history and we look forward to honoring this group to represent them this year.”

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is joined by Aiello Home Services, sponsor of the team, in the effort to recognize individuals whose determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration and motivation for others.

Don't miss the 25th running celebrations at the biggest race day in Connecticut- sign up to run, walk or volunteer at HartfordMarathon.com.

About the Hartford Marathon Foundation

The Hartford Marathon Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 to create and manage fitness events that inspire people to be healthy and fit. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the Hartford Marathon Foundation organizes more than 30 annual athletic races, including the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, and training programs for youth runners. For more information, visit http://www.HartfordMarathon.com and on Facebook at HMF Events, Twitter at@RunHMF and Instagram at HMF_Events.