Local Little Person Finishes Plymouth Marathon

Salem resident John Young was among the 50,000 runners who trained for, traveled to, and was eventually turned away from this year's New York City Marathon when it was canceled at the last minute because of Hurricane Sandy.

Young, who teaches math at Pingree School in South Hamilton, said he was looking forward to the NYC Marathon because he was hoping to become the first little person to complete the grueling 26.2-mile race.

Young hasn't let the fact that he was born with a congenital condition called achondroplasia keep him from being far more active than your average Witch City resident - and he put all of his training to good use Sunday at the Plymouth Marathon.

Young reportedly finished the race in 6 hours and 20 minutes.

His small stature and slow pace may make it a little harder for him to find a running partner to train with, but that hasn't kept Young off of the local racing circuit. He began competing in triathlons three years ago and recently wrapped up his fourth racing season.

In addition to being a member of the Achilles International racing team, Young is also represented by Para-promotions based out of Ottawa, Ontario.