Stories of Hope

While there are many stories of courage, strength and hope that come from this event, some stand out as Stories of Heroism.

It was mile 10 of the Hulkin' Half Marathon and Valerie Baty, CCMH Engineering, had three miles to the finish. To her, those three miles could just as well be 30. Baty had decided to quit the race at the next aid station. Behind her was a City of Lawton vehicle, serving as the trail car, bringing in the last participant. In the vehicle sat Weston Owens, a City of Lawton employee who had worked 10 hours straight setting up the race course. He noticed Baty was struggling, so he hopped out to check on her. He decided he was not going to let her give up.

"I enjoy talking to people, so that's what I did," said Owens. "I talked to her about my church, my favorite truck, my mom, her family... just anything to keep her mind off of quitting."

According to Baty, Owens told her his mother was battling breast cancer and was unable to participate in the SOS, she would have to finish it for her and all the others with cancer who couldn't be there. Baty said that gave her the strength and the drive to continue. Owens walked with Baty to the finish line.

"I plan on walking in the SOS next year with my mom," said Owens. "Hopefully Valerie will join us. She's a really nice lady and I enjoyed the time talking with her."

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