New Technology World

NEENAH – A family trio of three generations are among those racing this weekend at the 31st Annual Community First Fox City Marathon.

Twelve-year-old Gabriel Langlois has made the race a family affair by inviting his father and grandfather to participate in Sunday’s half marathon.

Gabriel uses a wheelchair. He was born with spina bifida, a condition in which the human spinal cord does not develop properly, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

Gabrielle cannot walk, but she is passionate about racing and exercising outside.

Gabrielle’s father, Daniel Langlois, said, “Perseverance is basically a lesson I learned from him throughout his life.” Has a smile.Most people who have half the problems he has (don’t have) are a tenth of the joys he has…he is an exciting kid is.”

According to Danielle, Gabrielle has been interested in racing for the past three years, having joined her school’s running club in fourth grade. The running club said he took part in a 5K at the weekend of the Fox Cities Marathon.

Last year, Gabriel said his excitement for the race grew after seeing one of his father’s colleagues, Matt Kasten, win a full marathon.

Daniel noticed his son’s interest.

“(Before seeing Kasten win), it was just a way for him to exercise. Now he’s talking. ‘Hey, if I keep at it, I’ll be in the Paralympics.’ Can’t you get me a racing chair so I can?” Race? said Daniel. “He’s been watching YouTube videos of Paralympic racers, following their training plans, watching how they turn their wheels, how they do corners and other things.”

This spring, Gabriel and Daniel performed the 10K Berlin Run in Green Bay. A 13.1 mile half marathon is just over double his 10K.

Daniel said he and Gabriel have discussed the possibility of running another half marathon at the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon in the spring, followed by a full marathon at next year’s Community First Fox Cities Marathon. Afterwards, they may consider getting Gabriel a lighter, more streamlined racing wheelchair, Daniel said.

“My dad said if I got one of those, he wouldn’t[race]with me,” Gabriel said.

Danielle was never a long-distance runner, so he and Gabrielle have been working hard over the past few months in training. participate in the half marathon.

“I haven’t done it in over five years,” James said. “Then Gabriel came up and said he wanted to do a half marathon. ‘I thought.’

The trio is shooting at a 15-minute mile pace.

“I’m super excited about this,” Daniel said. Few people do something in three generations…so great memories for all of us.”

Danielle said this experience wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of his wife Sarah.The couple have four children, including Gabrielle. Two of Gabriel’s siblings have autism and a fourth has cerebral palsy. All four children were adopted and the family has fostered his eight from his other six over the years. Danielle said she has up to seven children in the house at once with Sarah.

“If you’re home with the kids when you’re running 10, 12, 14 miles on Saturday, you’re not home for three, three and a half hours,” Danielle said. . “She’s the center of our family. She’s the center point. Without her, we wouldn’t be able to pull off what we’re doing with all these kids. “

Daniel hopes Gabriel will inspire children of all abilities.

“He’s 12 and I see him running 13 miles with his arms crossed, maybe he can get off the couch and run at least 5K. Maybe he can get his dad off. On the couch.” Come and let him join me,” Daniel said.

Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter. @ArseneauKelli.