Double amputee sets half-marathon record at Gasparilla Distance Classic
February 28, 2022 - A world record fell at Sunday’s Gasparilla Distance Classic for the fastest time in a half-marathon by a double amputee. Marko Cheseto ran the 13.1 miles in one hour, 16 minutes and 58 seconds - on prosthetic running blades. Brian Reynolds of New Jersey held the previous record at 1:17:05. Cheseto was born in Kenya before moving to the states in 2008 to attend college at the University of Alaska Anchorage on a running scholarship. In 2011, Cheseto’s cousin joined him on the team before committing suicide. Cheseto spiraled into a deep depression and went for a run in the snow after taking too much anti-depressant medication one day. That led to frostbite so severe that doctors had to amputate both his legs just below the knees. Cheseto, who now lives in Groveland, hopes to help others by sharing his story. Cheseto previously set the world record for a double amputee in a full marathon at the New York City Marathon in November 2021. He finished that race in 2:35:55.