Throughout his battle with ALS, nothing can stop Josh Wandell’s love of running.
While the disease has taken away his ability to walk, a handful of friends and loved ones — known as “Team Wandell” — have taken the mantle by forming a running group at local races across the region with Wandell participating by being pushed in a wheelchair.
Brooke Vance officially announced via social media this week that Team Wandell’s application to go after a Guiness World Record had been accepted after a 13-week process.
According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the fastest half-marathon pushing a wheelchair is 1:54.49.
T.J. Brown, East Side Elementary librarian and avid runner with Team Wandell, told the Elizabethton Star Thursday Wandell and friends will look to knock out the record during the annual Anthem Shamrock half-marathon at Virginia Beach, Va.
“Jeff Vance, Brooke’s husband, will be pushing 100-percent of the way,” Brown said. Other members of Team Wandell will be running alongside, beside and behind Vance and Wandell during the event.
Brown added there’s a level of excitement to push after a world record and have Wandell be recognized on a worldwide scale. Brooke is handling the housekeeping details of the race-recordings at certain areas of the event and officials for the race, according to Brown. Brown’s sister, who resides in Virginia and is an avid runner herself, is also assisting the initiative by finding individuals to help authentic the time.
Keeping the thrill of competitive running has been constant theme since Wandell’s diagnosis of ALS in 2013.
Since that time, the former East Side principal has traveled across the region and state sharing a story of positivity and hope to encourage others battling through hard times.
Wandell’s love of racing even formed the annual “Race For Wandell,” the first-ever 3K race certified in the state, which has been going for five years.
To stay up to date with Wandell’s story, visit the Team Wandell Facebook page.