{"id":248597,"date":"2025-07-08T17:54:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T17:54:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/248597\/"},"modified":"2025-07-08T17:54:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T17:54:10","slug":"runner-with-rare-genetic-condition-conquers-treadmill-marathon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/248597\/","title":{"rendered":"Runner with rare genetic condition conquers treadmill marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Carissa Resek<\/strong> of Kaysville, Utah, is an inspiration when it comes to defying the odds. The 32-year-old has Apert Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes fusion of the bones of the skull, hands and feet, as well as other physical differences. But two weeks ago, Resek, who was once told she might never walk, became the first member of her family to complete a marathon, clocking 5 hours, 31 minutes\u2013and to top it off, she did it on a treadmill.<\/p>\n

\n@cariruns<\/a> i did it! #marathon<\/a> #treadmill<\/a> \u266c Imploding The Mirage \u2013 The Killers<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What is Apert Syndrome?<\/p>\n

According to ChildrensHospital.org<\/a>, Apert Syndrome, also known as acrocephalosyndactyly, occurs in every one in 65,000 to 88,000 births. \u201cWhile individuals with the condition often share physical similarities, their capabilities and personalities vary widely,\u201d Resek\u2019s sister, Nalany Niederhauser<\/strong>, told Canadian Running. Resek has fused fingers and atypical foot structure, and throughout her life, has undergone 40 surgeries, including cornea transplants and reconstructive procedures.<\/p>\n

Resek\u2019s marathon<\/p>\n

Resek first began running on a treadmill in 2018, and typically runs five to eight kilometres (three to five miles) every other day. The Utah native first set her sights on tackling the full 42.2K distance after randomly covering 21 km one day; her family and neighbours then encouraged her to attempt the marathon.<\/p>\n

\u201cUsually when I run, I go for an hour\u2013and I can do five miles (eight kilometres) easily,\u201d Resek said on TikTok<\/a>, following her marathon run on June 21. But this particular day, the runner decided to watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which is two hours and 22 minutes long. \u201cOnce it was done, I was at 18 miles (28.8 km), so I just wanted to keep going,\u201d Resek continued. \u201cAnd no\u2013I did not train for this, but since I\u2019ve been running every now and then, I thought I was ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CarissaPhoto: Erick Resek<\/p>\n

Niederhauser shared the final steps of her sister\u2019s run in a TikTok<\/a>\u00a0that earned more than four million views. \u201cBragging because my 32-year-old sister with Apert Syndrome decided to run a marathon on the treadmill today,\u201d she captioned the video. The comments were flooded with messages of support, excitement and awe.<\/p>\n

The runner didn\u2019t train for any specific time\u2013the goal was completing the distance. \u201cThe most difficult part was staying on the treadmill for that long,\u201d Niederhauser added. While Resek is the third of seven children, and other family members have run cross-country or played soccer, she\u2019s the first to accomplish this feat.<\/p>\n

On July 4, Resek went on to compete in a local Kaysville 5K, clocking a three-minute personal best of 26 minutes.<\/p>\n

\n@cariruns<\/a>2025 is my year!\u266c KEEP PUTTING IN THAT WORK \u2013 QUOTESOFTHEDAY<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

How does Apert Syndrome affect her daily life?<\/p>\n

Finding shoes and maintaining balance is more difficult for Resek than for most; she also doesn\u2019t drive, so family steps up to help with transportation. Still, Resek works full-time as a caregiver at a local daycare and maintains a healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer life is a strong example of resilience and determination,\u201d Niederhauser said.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s next for Resek?<\/p>\n

Resek says her next goal is to return to the treadmill to try to lower her time. \u201c[I want to] see if I can do it in five hours and fifteen minutes and just to have fun running,\u201d Resek said. \u201cMaybe with better shoes and some training.\u201d She also revealed her fuelling secrets for her 42.2K journey\u2013\u201dapple juice and the little bite muffins that I buy for the kids [at daycare].\u201d<\/p>\n

You can continue to follow Resek\u2019s progress on TikTok at @cariruns<\/a>.<\/p>\n