Every single person that took on the Hawke's Bay International Marathon was also inspirational. The training, commitment and tough stuff needed to compete in an event like this is incredible but even more so amazing if you competed with a severe bone disease.
Which brings me to the most inspirational part of the weekend, Samuel Gibson. Despite having the rare brittle bone disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, he took on a half marathon.
He's also completed a yacht crossing of Cook Strait and took on the Triple Peaks Challenge, something that most able bodied people would find too tough! Even more inspiring were his plans later this year to take on a 300km trek from Mount Cook to the sea to help a 2-year-old boy with the same bone disease .
Sadly Samuel had an accident during the race on Saturday and received severe head injuries. He died later. Samuel loved pushing the boundaries, adventuring and taking his disease on. He didn't let it rule his life he adapted his life to make everything he wanted to do possible.
Most importantly, he was an inspiration to his wife Jen and two daughters Rosa and Isabelle, who will have his many amazing adventures and achievements to reflect on for the rest of their lives.
I salute you Samuel and your 'anything is possible' attitude. You were an inspiration to us all.
