This weekend’s RBC Brooklyn Half will be particularly significant for Jessica Aguilar, a runner who has overcome considerable obstacles to return to the course.
Overcoming Adversity
Aguilar lost part of her leg after being struck by a drunk driver. Running, inspired by her daughter, has helped her reclaim confidence, purpose, and joy.
Aguilar started running as a sophomore in high school, which influenced her decision to attend university.
In December 2022, Aguilar’s life changed when she was struck by a truck, resulting in the loss of 7% of her right leg. She had been out with friends.
“I had three emergency surgeries. I had reconstruction surgery. I had skin graft and I had to learn how to walk again,” Aguilar said.
Aguilar was initially told that she would not be able to run again due to the injuries, as the impact of concrete was deemed “too much for her leg to sustain.”
“I gave up on it for years,” Aguilar said. “And it’s just a life I accepted for myself at the time.”
Inspired by Her Daughter
Her perspective shifted after her daughter saw photos of Aguilar running in college. Her daughter suggested Aguilar sign up for a half marathon to raise money for her school.
“She’s like, ‘Mom, you can do this,'” Aguilar said. “She didn’t really understand the concept that I couldn’t, so I didn’t want to show her no, I didn’t want to back down on something that she wanted me to do.”
Aguilar’s perspective on running evolved, as she began to see running as a privilege. She then began signing up for New York Road Runners races.
“They have created a space for me to race in a way that I get to tell my story,” Aguilar said.
The Ultimate Goal
Aguilar is participating in the RBC Brooklyn Half this weekend with the “ultimate goal” of finishing and watching her daughter run.
“I’m a better mom to my daughter because of it, and now she has this mother who has shown her what resilience looks like and like not to give up, especially if something we love to do,” Aguilar said.
Reports from the race course on Saturday morning will be available on Eyewitness News.