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Leah Avery '24 competed in an 8K race during Shamrock weekend at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. What's more impressive is what she overcame to be able to compete.
The Virginian-Pilot featured Leah in the lead up to the weekend. In December 2025, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She had surgery in January, and pushed herself in the two months after to prepare for the race.
“This is something that I can do and make a difference,” Avery said.
In using running to inspire others, Leah is following in the foot steps of her mother, Brook Avery '90. She was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 22 and ran a marathon one year later.
Virginian-Pilot photo
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