The runners have raised nearly $25,000 with donations still being received for their efforts. O’Neill raised more than $5,000 and Barlow topped $5,700.
“The race was an amazing and emotional experience,’’ O’Neill said. “My family was able to meet me at mile 14.5. Also, I painted a message on the back of my CT Challenge singlet. I had runners stopping me and telling me that they are [cancer] survivors and thanking me for my efforts. It was very emotional.”
O’Neill finished in 4:27:06, and Barlow covered the 26.2-mile distance in 4:21:55.
“I can’t thank the CT Challenge enough for giving me this life experience and being able to help others at the same time,’’ O’Neill said.
The CT Challenge empowers cancer survivors with a host of physical and education programs.
O’Neill’s fundraising page is online. Barlow’s fundraising page is available here.
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