AUSTIN (KXAN) – With the help of a friend, 18-year-old Owen Rawl completed the Austin Half Marathon on Sunday morning. 

“I feel amazing,” Rawl told NewsNation affiliate KXAN. 

Rawl has Down syndrome, which makes it difficult for him to run long distances, according to his mom, Lisa Owen. But Rawl participates with Ainsley’s Angels in Texas, which pairs endurance athletes with people who have disabilities that might preclude them from participation in race events. 

On Sunday, Rawl was paired with Ross Tschirn, an Austin fitness instructor, who pushed Rawl in a carriage for a good chunk of the race. 

“When I became a trainer, it was so that I could make an impact in other’s lives. So, when this opportunity came to me, it was a no-brainer,” Tschirn said. “I wanted to share [fitness] with somebody, and the energy he gave me – these memories I will have for the rest of my life.”

Tschirn said throughout the duration of the race, Rawl cheered and rallied the racers on. 

“He was screaming: ‘Let’s go! Let’s go!’ the whole time,” Tschirn said. “People were just coming up saying, ‘Go Team Owen!’ and giving him high fives, giving him knuckles. I mean, it was contagious energy.” 

Rawl’s mom said Rawl loves participating in races. She said he has participated in three and has two more planned in 2024. But she said the other racers appreciated having him there just as much.

“This kid wakes up with sunshine and he goes to bed with sunshine. So, I’m sharing a little bit of what I get to see as a parent,” Lisa Owen said.