Man paralyzed in diving accident runs first Peachtree Road Race

ATLANTA — After being paralyzed in a diving accident, a local man is back on his feet and running in the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

Ben Hildebrant promised he would walk again after he was paralyzed from the neck down nine years ago, and he fulfilled that promise during Monday’s race. %

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“I’m excited. It feels good to be out here and get to run. I mean, there was a time when I couldn’t,” he said.

Hildebrant’s determination to walk again was evident in the quick progress he made during his time at Atlanta’s Shepherd Center.

The Shepherd Center is rated as one of the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.

Hildebrant’s father says it is a miracle to see his son running.

“Back when this happened, he was a 16-year-old kid whose life was turned upside down,” Loren Hildebrant said.

Ben Hildebrant completed his first Peachtree Road Race with lots of cheers, tears and smiles from his family along the route.

Cox Media Group