Blind Runner Completes Colfax Marathon

DENVER (CBS4)- Runners hit the pavement Saturday to complete a distance of 26.2 miles for the Colfax Marathon. Among them was a blind runner who says it wasn't easy but is happy to have crossed the finish line for her first marathon.

Amelia Dickerson chose the Colfax Marathon as her first marathon. It's quickly becoming one of the Top 20 in the country for runners.

"When I was 14 I was in a car accident that left me blind," said Dickerson.

She ran to support Lending Sight and Achilles International Colorado.

"When you have something taken away a little bit, makes you work a little harder for it," said Dickerson.

PHOTO GALLERY: 2014 Colfax Marathon

About 17,000 runners registered for this year's Colfax Marathon, which offers a full marathon, a half marathon and a 5K.

"The number of people just keeps growing and growing," said Colfax Marathon spokesman Peter Schwartz. "We had 151 charity partners.

Schwartz said the race, which runs along America's longest main street, gives out $1,000 to record breakers and $50,000 to the winning relay team's charity of their choice.

Dickerson finished her marathon in about three hours and 30 minutes, well below the average of 4 ½ hours.

"There are points out there especially at the end where you're like, 'How badly do I want it? How deep am I going to dig?' " said Dickerson. "It feels good, a very good tired."

LINK: Colfax Marathon Results