Mother-Daughter Team to Make Historic Run in Hampton Marathon This Weekend

When 17-year-old Kayla Biagotti was diagnosed at the age of three with a chronic genetic disorder that affects cell production, doctors told her mother Kris that Kayla may one day gain the ability to walk, but that she wouldn't have the mobility to run a marathon or do other strenuous activity.

That won't stop Kayla — who suffers from mitochondrial disease — from running in this weekend's Smuttynose Rockfest Marathon in Hampton, though, as the K Girls — as they're affectionately known by friends, family and fans of Biagottis' blog — will together run a marathon for the first time.

Kris has made it a personal mission to run for her daughter in numerous marathons and races since 2005, but never have they run a marathon together. Their ultimate goal is to run the Boston Marathon as a team in 2013, and this weekend's marathon will be a historic first step toward the K Girls' goal.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be running in front of my hometown crowd, and Kayla can’t wait to ride along for her first official marathon,” said Kris Biagiotti, 45, a Rochester native who now lives in Massachusetts.

The duo's entry is possible thanks to a special, custom-built wheelchair sponsored by Northeast Credit Union. The sponsorship fits in with Credit Unions Kids at Heart program, which is a group of local-area credit unions that raises funds for Boston Children’s Hospital and pairs patients with runners and training partners, according to Amy Moy, NECU's marketing communications manager.

Moy said Kayla has run with her dad — who passed away in 2005 — and other partners in various races, although Moy said it'll be "exciting" to see the K Girls' first marathon together.

"We are truly honored to support Kris and Kayla’s history-making and herculean efforts as they compete at the Smuttynose Rockfest Marathon and will be there on Sunday in Hampton cheering them on as they set their sights on qualifying for the 2013 Boston Marathon," said Moy, who said it's been "inspirational" to get to know the family and their story.

More information about the Biagiottis' journey is available here. A full route of the marathon and related road closures is available here.