Mqt. native running despite foot paralysis

A Marquette native has returned to the area from out of state to run in a charity race, even though she has a form of paralysis.

Beth Deloria now lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.

This is her first time back in the area in about six years.

She and her husband, Jim, are running in the U.P. Run For Life in Marquette tomorrow.

It’s part of a quest for Beth that has a unique purpose.

“I’m running 48 races in 24 months, and the idea is to raise awareness for people with mobility issues, to show them that no matter where they are in their challenge, they can get back up and get back to a better quality of life,” she said.

Beth has been an avid distance runner for 15 years.

In 2004, severe spine trauma resulted in a condition called foot drop, but she’s still running with the help of orthotic braces.

“The ruptured disc collapsed on my nerve root, and actually basically paralyzed the peroneal nerve, so I can’t lift my left ankle at all,” Beth said. “I never thought I would run again, so any time I get to a starting line healthy, I consider myself having already won.”

The U.P. Run For Life is intended to promote organ donation.

The 10-kilometer event starts at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette at 9 a.m. tomorrow, and Beth and Jim hope plenty of people come out and join them.