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Department of
Veterans Affairs
| News Release |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2010
Atlanta VAMC social worker sets marathon record
An Atlanta VA Medical Center social worker became the first woman and youngest person to ever finish a marathon five different times in 50 states and the District of Columbia by competing in the KeyBank Vermont City Marathon on May 30, 2010.
The record setting event also marked another milestone for Kendel Prescott, an Air Force and Army Veteran - her 305th career marathon at the annual Memorial Day weekend race in Burlington, Vermont.
Prescott’s journey as a runner began while serving in the US Army when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a neurological condition that affects the peripheral nervous system, in 1989.
During her 5-month inpatient admission, she promised herself that if she made it out of the hospital okay that she would run at least five times a week.
Keeping her promise, Prescott ran her first marathon, the 1990 Marine Corps Marathon, ten months after being discharged.
A member of the 50 States Marathon Club, Prescott has raced in all 7 continents, more than 14 countries and completed 36 triathlons including the Coeur d’alene Ironman Triathlon and the Umsetad 100-mile endurance run.
“Marathons are a life passion and will be part of me forever,” she said.
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