Even With A Physical Disability, Mom Keeps Racing

Thousands upon thousands of Americans participate in running marathons around the country. They do it for the thrill or the chance to come in first.

However, Christen Ball of Hampton Roads, VA isn’t your typical marathoner. She has a condition called Spina Bifida which happens when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly in the womb.

The ailment excludes her from running with legs. But that hasn’t stopped her from doing what she’s come to love. So, in 2019, she participated in the J&A Racing Surf 'N' Santa 5 Miler which was her first race.

“Racing was difficult for me in the beginning, but I absolutely loved it,” she said. “At the time, I didn't own a racing chair, so I was using my everyday wheelchair, which isn't built for sports. Since then, I have completed a couple of 5Ks and a Shamrock 8K.”

In 2024, Ball's family got together and bought a customized racing chair for her.

At first, some of Ball’s loved ones were a bit hesitant about her activities.

“In the beginning, my family definitely thought I was crazy for doing races in my everyday chair.” Ball said. “These days, my husband joins me at races and run clubs, and my son Jake will run races up to a 10K with us.”

As time has gone by, Ball stated that God has been a guiding light.

“I do believe in God,” she said. “People are sometimes surprised when I say, 'God made me disabled and that I am completely at peace with it.' That doesn't mean I don't have moments where I wish I weren't disabled like my siblings, but I know how blessed I am. Compared to many others born with Spina Bifida, I haven't required dozens of surgeries or suffered serious ongoing health complications.”

As to role models, Ball stated that she has come to see herself as one.

“Recent experiences have made me realize that I am a role model,” she said. “About a year ago, I joined Team Hoyt Virginia Beach. Through Team Hoyt, I met my friend Gabby, who runs while pushing her 11-year-old daughter, Vylet. She was also born with Spina Bifida. I’ve been working with her to help her learn how to push her everyday chair—not necessarily to race, but to build strength and independence. If you ask her if she’s going to be faster than me one day, she’ll flash a big smile and say yes, ‘I can't wait for that day.’”

According to Ball, she appreciates the love and support she receives from the local running community.

“I treasure the friendships I've made,” she said. “Meeting new people and answering their questions about my disability and my racing chair is wonderful.”

As to the future of her racing, Ball says that she has a couple of events coming up which includes the Tidewater Strider Dismal Swamp 50K / Marathon / Half Marathon / 50K Relay.

“I’m doing my first marathon in December,” she said. “I think I’m going to have a good time.”