Chicago Principal Completes Marathon to Honour Son with Cerebral Palsy
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Dr. Larue Fitch, an elementary school principal in West Chicago, recently achieved a significant milestone by completing his 14th marathon, with his latest feat being at the New York City Marathon on November 2nd. The 43-year-old educator took up running as a means to boost his mental well-being and cultivate a healthy routine that would get him active every day. Initially, running was a personal pursuit until his son, Josiah, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in 2021, which significantly impacted his mobility.
Driven by a newfound purpose, Dr. Fitch found inspiration in his son’s resilience and the challenges faced by families dealing with special needs. He shared with PEOPLE, “I need to be an inspiration not only to Josiah, but to a lot of families or individuals that are currently battling special needs. That’s near and dear to me, especially being a principal here in Chicago, I work with a lot of special needs students.” Witnessing Josiah’s determination to overcome obstacles related to his condition motivated Dr. Fitch to take his running goals more seriously.
Dr. Fitch’s dedication to running was further fuelled by the sight of his son participating in a 5K race in 2023 after observing his father’s commitment to the sport. During the recent New York City Marathon, Dr. Fitch drew strength from the vibrant atmosphere of the event rather than his usual music playlist. He was uplifted by the resilience displayed by individuals with disabilities participating in the race, which served as a powerful reminder of his deep-rooted motivation – his son’s unwavering support.
The marathon presented its challenges, but Dr. Fitch persevered, bolstered by thoughts of Josiah cheering him on either in person or through FaceTime. The image of his son urging him to push forward spurred him on, particularly when he felt exhaustion setting in. With Central Park in sight, Dr. Fitch summoned his remaining energy and crossed the finish line in less than four hours, achieving a personal best in the process.
A member of the Peace Runners 773 organisation, Dr. Fitch found encouragement and camaraderie from his fellow runners, who supported him along the gruelling course. Additionally, the TSC Teachers group, of which he is part, provided essential guidance and encouragement throughout his training journey. Upon his return to Chicago, Dr. Fitch generously donated his marathon medal to his school, where students eagerly embraced the symbol of his accomplishment.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fitch remains committed to fostering a sense of community and inspiration among his students and colleagues. His advice to aspiring marathon participants is simple yet profound: run at your own pace and always remember the ‘why’ behind your pursuit. Through his actions, Dr. Fitch embodies resilience, dedication, and unwavering support for those facing challenges, both on the track and in everyday life.