Double Amputee Takes On Marathons Across the Globe
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Cedric King has never let anything hold him back—not during his military service in Afghanistan, and not after losing both of his legs. This outlook on life has led him to overcome his fears, inspire others, and race in marathons around the world.
Back in 2012, 20-year-old King was deployed in Afghanistan, where he stepped on an improvised explosive device while on patrol. Recalling the moment during an interview with Fox 5, he shared how surreal it felt to wake up from a coma and learn that both of his legs were gone. It didn’t make sense because, as humans, we typically never think that something like that will ever happen to us.
Despite his life-altering injury, the Army Master Sergeant resolved to turn his hardship into growth. At this point, he was faced with a choice: to rise and become stronger, or to let it shrink who he is. He shared that he didn’t realize how determined he was to get back where he had been, but the drive was there.
While he was recovering in the hospital, as he was relearning how to walk, King made a bold decision—to run again. But this time, running would mean figuring out how to move muscles that didn’t work and limbs that weren’t there. He shared that it was all trial and error, trying to adapt, even if it meant sliding around at first.
To move forward, King had to face his fear of falling—a process that taught him that setbacks are part of life. He said that life happens between the event and how you respond to it. That space is where real life is.
Today, King not only competes in races worldwide, but he also shares his story as a motivational speaker. He’s involved with Semper Fi & America’s Fund, the same nonprofit organization that helped him during his toughest moments.
He told Good Day’s Lindsay Tuman that if he can be an example of how to keep going after a major loss, then maybe his experience can help others find meaning in theirs.
He now applies the same mindset in running as he did during his recovery: use life’s challenges to grow. He said that you don’t dwell on what’s gone wrong. Instead, you use it to make things better.
King recently completed the Tokyo Marathon 2025 and has set his sights on his first 100-mile ultramarathon in Georgia this July. He’s also the author of The Making Point, a book about his journey and philosophy on resilience.
Related reading: Finding Strength and Psychological Well-Being After Amputation
