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Father-daughter duo roll through expectations, to tackle second Cleveland half-marathon

Team Boyle is so much more than running. It's all about seeing past their challenges, and raising money for others.

CLEVELAND — There will be thousands of runners competing in this year's Rite-Aid Cleveland Marathon, but one super duo might stand apart from the crowd.

It's Team Boyle: A super father-daughter duo tackling their second Cleveland half-marathon.

They've raced hundreds of miles, running with purpose, and for others. It's important work because half of their team, 18-year-old Courteney Boyle, has been defying odds her whole life.

Her mother, Christine, says she's just happy Courteney is here.

"I was thrilled, to be honest with you, that they were able to keep her alive that day," Christine Boyle said.

Courteney was born with an underdeveloped brain stem, and other issues that require around-the-clock care. But, as she's done since birth, she keeps rolling through expectations, giving others the strength to do the same.

It's something her father, Dan, can barely talk about without getting emotional.

"I look at it, and I see what she's overcome... she's been a fighter since Day One," Dan said, while holding back tears.

The Boyles are actually parents to two children with disabilities. They adopted 15-year-old Kevin from El Salvador when he was nine years old. They say they want both their kids so see past their challenges.

"When your kids need you to do everything, every single day, it's easy to just get caught up in your own family. That's not what we ever want. It's so much more than about us," Christine said.

And that's exactly what Team Boyle is all about: With every race Dan and Courteney enter, they raise money for a special needs charity. Over the past four years, they've acquired $29,000.  

This year? They're ready, more than ever, to run in their hometown.

"We love Cleveland. Our kids love Cleveland," Dan said. 

It's not just about their love for their city. In 2016, the Boyles got Disney to change it's policy for wheelchair runners, partly because other cities, like Cleveland, embrace challenged runners.

"We're so thankful that cities like Cleveland and Boston, and L.A. and big cities had welcomed athletes with disabilities. And we know that's a huge part of Disney realizing, 'Wait, if these cities can do this, so can we,'" Christine said.

The Boyles are proud of their city, and are overcome with gratitude that they get to keep racing for Team Boyle. Especially, because Courteney is continuing to show others that nothing can stop her.

"I am completely humbled that I get to wake up every day, and I get to love her and care for her, and see her accomplish so much," Christine said.

For Dan, he's blown away by the strength of both his children.

"I always say I'm riding on (Courteney) and her brother's coat tails, because they are incredible kids," Dan expressed.

To learn how to support Team Boyle, click HERE.

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