Charlotte Gets Ready for a Special 5K Race This Weekend
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This weekend, Charlotte is buzzing with excitement as the popular CLT Runway 5K takes center stage at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Among the many participants, two runners stand out with a heartwarming story that is sure to inspire. Meet Luke Fechtel, a spirited fifth grader who is legally blind, and his amazing mom, Anne, who won the same race back in 2019.
A Love for Running
At just ten years old, Luke has already found his passion for running, largely thanks to his mom, who has been hitting the trails since her high school days. Luke’s journey into running began in first grade when he realized sports just weren’t his thing. “Everyone else was playing sports, so I was trying to think of something that I could do, and running came to me,” he shared. “It turns out, I really like running.”
Luke is one of three siblings born with a rare genetic disease that affects their vision. Describing his eyesight, Luke says, “I can see colors, but I get them confused sometimes. I can see shapes and everything. I guess you would say my vision is blurry, but I don’t know because I don’t know what your vision is like.” He candidly mentioned that he is legally blind but not completely so, teaching many around him about what it’s truly like to live with visual impairment.
The Bond of Mother and Son
Anne Fechtel couldn’t be prouder of her son and is thrilled to be able to share her love for running with her children. “It’s actually amazing,” she said, reflecting on how that has unfolded. “It wasn’t part of the plan when I had children that they would all be blind, but life takes different turns.” She feels inspired by the unique perspectives her children bring to life.
Practice Makes Perfect
When it comes to practicing running, Luke has his favorite spots. “That’s probably where I feel the most comfortable because I’m not going to hit anything, and I can see the track,” he explained about practicing on his school’s running track. The high-contrast lines on the track act as a helpful guide, allowing him to feel confident on the surface.
Collaborative Racing
During the upcoming 5K, Luke will rely on Anne as his guide. “How it works is I run beside my mom, and I have a tether, so it’s a rope with two loops,” he described. “I hold one end, and my mom holds the other, and she uses that to guide me.” While it’s a wonderful partnership, Anne admits to feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. “I do worry,” she confided. “As any parent, there is a fear with parenting, but having children with disabilities adds an extra layer of fear. But you have to keep going.”
A Day to Remember
On race day, Anne’s nervousness will likely fade away as she experiences the joy of running alongside her son. “I really am just there to let him know if there’s a change in surface or a turn coming up,” she explained. Meanwhile, Luke is eager for the challenge. “I think it’s going to be really cool and a good test of how fast I am because it’s going to be flat. I hope I can beat my record!”
A Bright Future Ahead
Both Luke and Anne are looking forward to running more races together in the future. Their story is not just about racing; it’s about resilience, support, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and son. So, if you’re in Charlotte this weekend, keep an eye out for these two special runners making their way down the runway!
