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FORT WORTH – Dr. Tamar Hicks has been preparing for her big day for months, but there were quite a few challenges ahead.
“They were nervous for me,” Hicks said. “A lot of people were worried that I would fall.”
The former Division I collegiate track and field athlete wanted to be fast but also have the ability to catch.
“Today I’m going to try to break the world record for a half marathon while handcuffed,” Hicks said.
he succeeded.
Many who noticed the handcuffed runner wondered the reason for his unusual feat. Hicks said he set a goal last year to reduce his stress and improve his mental health.
“No matter how tied down I feel to negative thoughts or bad situations, I can always overcome them,” Hicks said.
Hicks isn’t the only one aiming to finish the 46th annual Cowtown Marathon. Macy Hill, vice president of the board, said an estimated 40,000 runners and spectators participated in the weekend’s events.
“We’ll have 23,000 runners running today on Sunday and 10,000 runners will run,” Hill said. “There will be 14 countries and 50 states.”
The Cowtown Marathon concluded Sunday afternoon, and officials estimate this year’s race had a $13 million economic impact on North Texas.
Cowtown organizers issued a heat advisory and set up eight aid stations with water and power aid.
“We have ice towels. We have mister stations,” Hill said.
Hicks praised the preparation. He hopes that by setting a new world record, he can show others, including his son, the importance of finding a goal, working toward it, and finishing strong.
Hicks not only achieved his goal, but also set a personal best time. He broke the Guinness World Record by almost 5 minutes.
“The world record was 1:25.19 and my unofficial time was 1:20.36,” Hicks said.
He remained focused throughout the race.
“I was thinking about all the people who were looking to me to break it out, and I did it for them,” Hicks said.
The Grand Prairie resident also had a message for others about the importance of persistence.
“When their back is against the wall, just know that they will get through it,” Hicks said. “Keep your head down, don’t worry about the negatives, just look at the prize.”
Hicks has her eyes set on next year’s awards and hopes to break her own world record.
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