Staff member Keysha Hall recently ran her first marathon at the 46th TCS New York City Marathon. Known as the largest marathon in the world, Hall was joined by more than 51,000 runners. The race takes place through five New York City (NYC) boroughs and across five bridges. On race day, Hall had to endure gusty winds, cold temperatures, hills and maintain her pace.

For Hall, it was all tested when at mile four she sprained her ankle. However, her can-do attitude pushed her to keep going for the remaining 22 miles to finish. As she made her way with an injured ankle through the tough race, Hall witnessed others dropping out, but giving up was not an option for her.

Crossing the finish line, Hall broke down in tears after accomplishing a longtime goal. "I would not have been able to finish this race without my coach, Stephen Jackson, from Run2Live. He provided great physical and mental training as well as lots of support and encouragement," she said.

Hall had an opportunity to attend several events while in New York and met Olympian, NYC and Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi and eighth place NYC Marathon finisher and North Carolinian Tyler Pennel.

Hall has no time for breaks. She's already resumed her training as she prepares for the Rock & Roll New Orleans Marathon in February 2017 and the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris in April 2017.

Hall thanks her DUSON family members who supported her goal towards the NYC Marathon with donations for the Team for Kids fundraising campaign and their words of encouragement.

Past DUSON Strong Feature Stories

DUSON Strong: Faculty Hit the Pavement in the Bull City Half MarathonDUSON Strong Spotlight: Setliff Completes First Half Marathon with Twin Sister Who Survived A Brain Aneurysm