Lashutka
Spirit Award
The annual Lashutka Spirit Awards honor former Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka, who helped launch the Columbus Marathon in 1980. Each year we honor a select group of people for their efforts to inspire others or overcome obstacles or challenges to take part in OUR race. This may be people facing their own health difficulties, struggles or injuries, as well as those who are helping others fight these battles.
“The Lashutka Spirit Award is a way for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon to recognize individuals who inspire and embody perseverance and strength. They are a testament to our sport and this event and it’s always an incredible privilege to celebrate them and their accomplishments.” – Darris Blackford, Race Director.
2024 Lashutka Spirit Award Winners
Heidi Baxter | Columbus, OH
Heidi Baxter is a life saver in at least two ways. First, as a cheerleader with oranges and bananas at the ready for runners on Mile 23, and second, as a living Kidney organ donor. Heidi is also an active member of the Columbus Westside Running Club and a proud Columbus City Schools teacher, where she uses her experiences to instill bravery into her students to ask for help, and to be willing to help—even if it’s a stranger.
Kris Pierson | Columbus, Ohio
Kris Pierson celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary on October 4th, 2023, with a morning bike ride that resulted in 16 broken bones after being stuck by car. A few weeks later, what should’ve been a PR at the Columbus Marathon, Kris stood on the sidelines, cheering on his training partners. By the following spring, Kris completed a marathon—a miracle in itself— and finished in personal record time.
Mike Ray | Columbus, OH
Mike Ray is a father, husband, runner, and three-year stage IV colorectal cancer fighter. Despite his battle, Mike remains committed to running, even participating in Ironman 70.3 and, thanks to his trusted chemo purse, actively received treatment while running in the American Cancer Society’s C2C event. Mike is a loyal member of the local running community and aims to encourage those around him to show up, even on the worst of days.
Max Trem | Aurora, OH
Max Trem’s baseball dreams were crushed after breaking his elbow and undergoing a series of surgeries and complications, including a severe infection, organ failure and nearly two years of antibiotics. Despite these setbacks, Max turned to running, and completed his first marathon, the Columbus Marathon, with his eyes now set on qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Max is an inspiration to many, but especially his younger sister and 2023 Spirit Award Winner.