PORT ORCHARD, Wash. - When most kids run to the playground for recess at Sidney Glen Elementary, Steele Spangler just runs and runs.
"Running is my favorite thing to do," he says. "It helps me when I'm angry or stressed. Mostly, though, I just like looking at the scenery."
At just 11 year old, Steele is in training for a marathon. Yes, a marathon. As in 26.2 miles.
Big stuff for a kid who hasn’t even graduated from the 5th grade.
"People might think I’m crazy," he smiles. "But I don't care."
Actually, marathons are nothing new for Steele. He ran his first half-marathon at age 9 – his first full marathon in January.
"I was so tired. I was like Jell-O," he says. "I was just saying I don’t want to do one again. And now, here I go again."
Marathons, it seems, run in the family. Steele's dad, Scott has been running with his son for years.
"I can’t beat him any longer. In any race," he says. "So, I’m pretty amazed."
Amazed that his 11-year-old boy is already a marathon man.
Steele runs in the "First to Call" marathon in Bothell on Saturday. He hopes to beat his record of 5 hours, 24 minues, 17 seconds.
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