Runners Who Inspire Us: Army Veteran Overcomes Severe Spinal Injury to Complete 10-Miler at runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend

Originally published at Disney Parks News

runDisney races are far from ordinary. From exciting courses through Walt Disney World Resort to Disney characters, live entertainment, and commemorative Disney finisher’s medals, every mile is magic. At the heart of that magic are our runners, each with amazing stories of accomplishment. As the 2022-2023 runDisney race season comes to a close, we are excited to highlight another amazing runner who inspires us from the 2023 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend.

Embodying the adventurous spirit and determination of the Pixar characters the race weekend was celebrated. Army veteran Nathalia Paradise, from Tampa, Florida, tackled the Disney Pixar Toy Story 10-Miler. Following a severe spinal injury a few months prior. A result of a slip-and-fall accident in November that caused constant pain, frequent falls, and sometimes the inability to control her legs. Doctors said Nathalia would never be able to run again and mobility from waist down would be limited. As someone who was very active and a runner, getting this diagnosis was devastating for Nathalia.

But none of that stopped her. Nathalia, who is also a cancer survivor, was determined to get back to running. Since the spinal injury, she spends four days a week in the physical. And occupational therapy and four months later, finished the Disney Pixar Toy Story 10-Miler! “runDisney helped me regain independence, a renewed infinite love for sport, and a sense of accomplishment that I thought to be lost to me forever,” said Nathalia.

Here’s a look at Nathalia’s inspiring runDisney experience:

Have an inspiring #WhyIrunDisney story? Share with us on runDisney.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming blog or social media post.