Cancer-beating mum who trained for 10k run left disappointed after organisers dismantle finish line

A cancer-beating mum who trained for months to complete a 10-kilometre race was left disappointed as race organisers dismantled the finish line - just as she arrived.

Lauren Davidson, 36, was greeted and congratulated by her son Isaac in a lovely moment marred by the inflatable structure being dragged away only seconds before her arrival at the finish line.

Lauren, a social worker, trained for months for the 10-kilometre run, which took place in Grand Prairie, Texas, USA, on July 2nd but that wasn't the beginning of her journey.

Eight years ago, she started training for her first 10k run, but was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer.

After her recovery, she began training for the race again, but unfortunately suffered a miscarriage, before getting pregnant later on.

After giving birth to her son, who is seen in the video, she then had a complete tear of her calf, which resulted in her taking time to recover.

Lauren eventually - on her fourth attempt - managed to train and complete the distance, but unfortunately, the end was filled with disappointment as seen in the video.

Lauren said: "In this video, I am rounding the final curve in my first ever 10k.

"I was feeling so much pride in myself and looked up to focus on the finish line.

"When I looked towards the finish line I saw that it was being deflated and that the timing clock was off.

"Seeing that was tough, but I powered through and ran through where the finish line had once stood.

"I got to celebrate my accomplishment with my son running into my arms and my husband cheering me on."

The training regime she undertook was right off the back of her calf injury.

She added: "This was when I got back into running from a long time off due to my calf tear injury.

"I had also been reluctant getting back out there after COVID and gaining weight during COVID as so many people did.

"In August I couldn't even run a mile without stopping, even having previously been a runner years before.

"Once I got to where I could comfortably run a 5k earlier this year I decided to go forward with my long sought-after goal of a 10k.

"I ran three to four times a week with most runs being 2-3 miles and a long run on the weekends.

"This long run started with three miles and each week I would add about a half mile until I got to where I could complete a full 10k without walk breaks."

To complete the route, it took Lauren one hour, 21 minutes and 14 seconds, according to her exercise watch.

She said: "When I first looked up and saw them dismantling the finish line, I was so incredibly disappointed.

"In my mind I had always pictured finishing my first 10k like the other 5k races I've done, running through the finish line, seeing my time, getting my medal and celebrating.

"But I didn't get any of that apart from my son and husband being there. Everyone was gone.

"I was so proud of myself for finally accomplishing this but still had to fight back tears as my finish line experience was taken from me.

"I had to go over to a table where they had packed everything up and ask someone if I could get a medal.

"They had even put away all water and post-race snacks so I didn't get any of that either.

"Once my husband and son headed home I honestly sat in my car and cried for a good five minutes before gathering myself.

"I told myself that even though the finish line experience was taken from me I still accomplished something amazing and that I needed to relish in that feeling of accomplishment.

"Looking back now I feel mostly pride, but I still feel some sadness from the way it ended."