#MIKidsCan Champion of the Month: Racing Back to School with Max Zigterman
Lucy Ciaramitaro
| 2 min read
Can you imagine running a half-marathon at the age of 14? Our August #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month, Max Zigterman, has crossed more finish lines before high school than most will in their lifetime.
“Three years ago, Max told us he wanted to run a 5k,” his mom explained. “Since then, he’s run four or five and moved onto 10k’s and a half-marathon.”
Though he’d like to run a full marathon, doctors advise that children under the age of 18 avoid such a large-scale race during developmental years. Until he’s able to do that, Max sticks to a strict routine and focuses on training for one race each year.
This young athlete is an inspiration for more reasons than one. Max has participated in sports year-round through Special Olympics Michigan, where he’s tried softball, golf, basketball, soccer, bowling and even alpine skiing. His passion, however, has always been running.
“I can’t think of another sport I’d like to do,” Max said. “I’ve done so many I don’t know what else there is to try!”
The soon-to-be cross country star is entering his first year of high school and already participated in his first meet. By the end of the year, Max is hoping to achieve a time of 19 minutes on his next 5K.
Do you know a child who deserves to be recognized for their commitment to living a healthy, active lifestyle? Nominate them at AHealthierMichigan.org/MIKidsCan.
Photo Credit: Gretchen Hinga (feature and inset)
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Author’s Note: A group of Special Olympics Michigan athletes recently visited Ford Field for the 2017 #MIKidsCan Play Like a Lion Experience where they did an exclusive on-field clinic with the Detroit Lions trainers and mascot, Roary.
