By Danlette Grace Washington (Pictures by Ganel Leconte)

In a display of sheer determination and inspirational spirit, Cia Tengbeh, a 15-year-old Liberian-American, and Shannon Smith, a 32-year-old American hailing from Flagstaff, Arizona, took part in the prestigious 2023 Columbus Marathon with a shared mission to inspire the next generation of athletes.

The event, held annually to raise funds for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, witnessed these two extraordinary individuals making strides not just on the marathon route but also in the hearts of spectators and fellow runners. The event also serves as a celebration of health and wellness and proved to be a platform for these exceptional individuals to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Their commitment to the sport and the cause resonated throughout the event, leaving a lasting impact on the participants and attendees alike.

Cia Tengbeh, a first-time talented and determined runner and American-born Liberian, expressed her excitement at being part of this year’s Columbus Marathon. Her goal was clearly to inspire fellow young kids, especially immigrants, to take up running and exercise seriously. “I want to inspire other kids because there are not a lot of kids my age doing this. I want to inspire the kids my age,” said Cia, her eyes reflecting her determination.

As a participant in her high school’s track team, Cia’s passion for running is solid. Running the marathon empowers her, as she hopes to empower others, too. 

Moreover, she looks forward to new opportunities and aims to build her stamina, aspiring to reach the pinnacle of her athletic career. 

For her part, Shannon Smith, hailing from Flagstaff, Arizona, achieved her “ A” goal at the marathon, securing second place. 

For Shannon, the marathon was more than just a race; it was a mission to inspire her four-year-old son. “I have a four-year-old, and I want to show him you can do good things, you can do big things, and it doesn’t matter if it’s even small,” she emphasized. 

Shannon believes in the power of passion, stating, “It doesn’t have to be running, but just to have passion in life is good; whatever it is, as long as you have a goal, you can go for it.” Her journey resonated with many, highlighting the significance of pursuing dreams with zeal and dedication.

 The 43rd Columbus Marathon, a three-day event held annually in Columbus, Ohio, brings together thousands of athletes to raise awareness for health and wellness and contribute funds for children supported by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

At the end of the event, organizers expressed their gratitude to all the runners and volunteers. 

 Speaking to the New Americans Magazine, Sarah, the Public Relations Officer for the marathon, expressed her deep appreciation for the successful event. 

Despite challenges, the marathon was a resounding success, inspiring over a million dollars in donations. Sarah noted that the event not only inspired participants but also spectators and supporters, many of whom expressed their intent to participate in next year’s marathon.

 The 43rd Columbus Marathon concluded not just as a race but as a testament to the power of determination, passion, and community support. 

Cia Tengbeh and Shannon Smith’s stories will undoubtedly serve as a pillar of inspiration for generations to come, reminding everyone that with dedication and passion, any goal, no matter how big or small, can be achieved.

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