CHICAGO (WGN) — When more than 50,000 runners take off in Sunday’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon, one participant will be celebrating a journey far beyond 26 miles.

After surviving two kidney transplants, Leah Howell is lacing up for her first marathon with a mission to inspire.

For months, Howell has trained physically and mentally for the race and says the support around her has made all the difference.

“Everybody in my village has been incredibly enthusiastic and supportive so I’m very fortunate,” Howell said.

Tough trials are nothing new for Howell. As a two-time kidney transplant recipient, she has learned the power of perseverance and plans to bring that mindset to the marathon course.

“One foot in front of the other, one neighborhood at a time,” she said.

Howell is running

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