West Palm Beach – Abraham Hausman‑Weiss, a familiar sight on Flagler Drive, is gearing up for the wheelchair division of the Palm Beaches Marathon. The 28‑year‑old, who first raced on a wheelchair during last year’s Palm Beaches half‑marathon, says the community’s support has been “really, really awesome.”
From basketball courts to marathon wheels
Before turning to wheelchair racing, Hausman‑Weiss excelled on the basketball court. He was a member of two national championship teams at the University of Alabama. Born with spina bifida, he has used a wheelchair since he was 17 months old, but he never lets his condition define him.
“I’ve had some very unique challenges, but they have been part of my life. They’ve required perseverance, and this is how I am,” he explained. “In my day‑to‑day I’m just a person.”
Recent marathon experience
In October, Hausman‑Weiss completed his first full marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., running alongside his younger brother. The experience sparked his ambition to tackle a full marathon in his own community.
He now trains with several local running clubs and feels fully integrated into West Palm Beach’s running scene. “To be able to do a full marathon now in a new community is really exciting,” he said.
Family on the race weekend
The weekend will be especially meaningful for Hausman‑Weiss because his wife, Sole, will run the 10K on Saturday. “She wasn’t running a full mile when we started, and now she’s doing sub‑10‑minute miles. It’s her first 10K, so it will be a big weekend for both of us,” he noted.
Goals and training insights
Hausman‑Weiss aims to finish the marathon in under three hours, targeting roughly a 6:50 per mile pace. He emphasizes that the physical demands of wheelchair racing mirror those of running. “It’s only as much arm strength as a runner would have leg fatigue. It’s a whole lot of core. It’s the type of muscular fatigue you feel the next day just like when you are running,” he explained.
He plans to lead the marathoners off the start line, bringing the same determination that got him to the starting line of the Marine Corps Marathon.
Community response
Local runners and spectators have praised Hausman‑Weiss’s dedication. Many recognize his presence on Flagler Drive as a symbol of perseverance and inclusivity within the West Palm Beach running community.
As the marathon approaches, Hausman‑Weiss remains focused on his training and the support of his family and fellow athletes. “The support is going to be really, really awesome,” he said, reflecting the optimism that surrounds his upcoming race.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
