Little Rock Marathon 5K Finisher Commits to Keep Climbing Against All Odds

With three marathons under his belt, Little Rock’s Andre Slay could be just another face in the crowd of the running community, trying to consistently build a racing resume. With his job for Delta Airlines, he could be just another helpful employee insuring passengers enjoy their flight. Slay’s attitude is like that of most successful athlete: committed to training, focused on a healthy lifestyle. But when one meets Slay, one can see this man’s situation is rare and extraordinary. Slay is an amputee…and his story is one that can empower us all.

Slay was not always a runner and it may surprise some he didn’t even begin training until one special man changed his life—that man is Jeffrey Glassbrenner. Glassbrenner was boarding a plane when he was helped by 30-year-old Slay at the airport. An amputee himself, Glassbrenner declined any special assistance from Slay but their interaction changed both men’s lives forever. They began talking about life—and its challenges—with a prosthetic leg. Glassbrenner has completed 22 Ironmen Competitions and boasts three Paralympic gold medals. They created a bond and a friendship began to grow. 

In April of 2013, Glassbrenner was running the Boston Marathon when the history of the racing world was forever changed and changed that course for Slay as well. He called to confirm Glassbrenner was safe and then made a choice. He was going to run.

In June he began his training. That September he ran his first marathon in Colorado Springs. Eight miles into it, his prosthetic leg was on fire with blisters. Nine miles later he couldn’t feel that pain any more. He finished that marathon with a time of seven hours and two minutes. After two months of recovery work, he learned to train smart. His next marathon was the 2014 Little Rock Marathon, and then it was on to Boston.

“No excuses,” says Slay. “I think about people who are in my position who can’t afford to run.”

Slay won’t run the marathon this go round but finished Saturday’s 5k with a time of 34:25.7.

This 5K comes in the middle of his running season as he looks ahead to the National Championships for outdoor Paralympics.

“Every day I wake up I’m still in shock because of the opportunities given to me and I feel like it’s my duty to do this for those who can’t. “

Just meeting this young warrior with a bright smile and gleam in his eyes is one opportunity anyone would walk away from feeling like a winner.