The first person out of the gate during Saturday’s Scallywompus Wanderlust Half Marathon in Fredericksburg wasn’t a runner and only hobbled along a small portion of the 13.1-mile course.

Yet, 19-year-old Hannah Sharman finished the run, mostly riding in a threewheeled stroller pushed by her physical therapist, Kelsey Segner. Hannah has cerebral palsy, a neuromuscular disorder that severely impairs motor function. The San Antonio resident likes to participate in fun runs using a special walker. According to her father, David Sharman, Segner surprised Hannah on her birthday with an entry into the half marathon.

“She enjoys it,” he said.

Sharman explained that cerebral palsy isn’t progressive as long as the person with it remains physically active.

“We can see those who make the effort to maintain their physical abilities and those who don’t,” he said.

Hannah likes to participate in run/walks to keep fit.

“She’s done several 5K’s in the past,” her father said. “She’ll do the first half of the race with her walker and then halfway through will transfer to her bike.”

He said Segner pushed Hannah the first 12 miles. At that point Sharman and his wife, JoAnn, met up with her and she transferred to her walker to finish the race. Sharman said he draws inspiration from his daughter every day as he sees her work hard and maintain a positive attitude toward life.

“I know I’m a wimp when I see that,” he said.

Team Hannah finished the half marathon in 2:32, which was good enough for 10th place in the 25-19 women’s division.

“She enjoys it,” Sharman said.