COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thousands of runners are filling the streets of Columbus Sunday for a tradition that’s nearly a half century old.
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon attracts runners from across the country and around the world. Among them, a runner who just one year ago was recovering from an accident that left him with more than a dozen broken bones.
What You Need To Know
- Kris Pierson races in The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon for the 6th time
- Pierson just recovered from an accident that left him with more than a dozen broken bones
- Pierson was hit by a car while riding a bike in Oct. 2023
Kris Pierson was hit by a car while riding a bike.
“Coming down the road, a car pulled out in front of me and I did not have time to stop or react, got knocked unconscious and woke up, ended up in the hospital for five days," he said.
He remembers the date especially because it was his 20th wedding anniversary.
“Oct. 4 of last year,” he said, “My wife and I were going to go to Hocking Hills, spend the day together.”
Instead, Pierson was sent to the hospital with 16 broken bones and a punctured lung. He had to go through a couple of surgeries and months of physical therapy.
“Physical therapy to get mobility, strength, the range of motion back in my hands and also to get flexibility and range of motion back in my hand, my shoulder,” Pierson said.
Despite it all, Pierson recovered quickly. Six months later, he ran his next marathon, not only finishing, but also achieving a personal record.
“That was a great comeback,” he said.
And today, his comeback story continues. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus marathon is the 25th one he’s ever run, but regardless, Pierson is just happy to be back on his feet.
“I had an unfortunate event happen to me, and I was able to come back from it,” said Pierson.