JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Wayne Edwards’ story is one of resilience and determination.
Despite a challenging experience during his first Gate River Run, where he passed out before completing the race, Edwards has turned this setback into motivation.
“Fear has a way of crippling us,” Edwards said. “I thought if I had the proper training or the experience, this would have never happened. This doesn’t really define who I am so I use my motivation.”
In 2004, Edwards signed up for the Gate River Run, marking his first attempt at the race. Without much training, he was nearly finished when he faced the infamous Hart Bridge.
“I know I’m in the same category of people who didn’t quite finish the run and their demise was of course the ‘Green Monster,’” Edwards said.
As he admired the view from the top of the bridge, everything went black.
“In my last mile I just passed out,” Edwards said. “I woke up maybe an hour later on the medical tent with all these probes on me and electric things on me. I was out for a while.”
Despite not finishing his first Gate River Run, Edwards is now preparing for his 21st race.
“I don’t count the first one because I never crossed the finish line,” Edwards said. This experience set him on a path to complete 25 Gate River Runs.
“I told myself ‘You know what I’m never going to make this course beat me again ever, ever, ever,” Edwards said. “Something changed inside me and I started doing runs, started training.”
Reflecting on the moment he finally completed the Gate River Run, Edwards described it as a point of accomplishment and vindication. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to turn challenges into triumphs.