Runner finishes Wrightsville Beach Marathon backwards

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Running a marathon is hard enough. Now imagine doing it backwards.

That’s how Tracy McCullen, 59, ran the 26.2 miles of the Wrightsville Beach Marathon Saturday. McCullen says it was hard unable to see what was ahead, but remembering his goal kept him pushing.

Hundreds of athletes crossed the finish line after a long journey through New Hanover County, but McCullen pushed to the finish to raise awareness and money to improve the Community Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington.

He has run in 15 marathons, but this is his first time running backwards.

“You don’t have to be an elite athlete,” McCullen said. “You don’t have to be the smartest one in your class. You just have to have a big dream and a big heart and believe in yourself and never ever ever give up. Just keep smiling and keep moving forward with calm confidence and invincible determination.”

McCullen’s goal is to raise $100,000. If you’d like to support the fundraiser, click here. 

McCullen isn’t looking to rest. For his 60th birthday in just eight weeks, he says he plans to run 60 miles forward around Central Park in New York City.