American Ninja Warrior Season nine break-out star, Charlie Andrews, just celebrated his 26.2 birthday! Nope, that’s not a typo. We hadn’t ever heard of it either, but we think it’s super cool! Charlie celebrated being 26.2 years old by running a marathon (26.2 miles).
When we asked Charlie what inspired this type of celebration, he gave the credit to his sister. Way back in February, Charlie and his sister (who was just getting over being sick) took a hike in the Grand Canyon. Despite sickness, heavy backpacks, and unwanted rain, his sister persevered all the way in and out of the Grand Canyon with a positive spirit. “I saw her do that and thought it would be cool to test myself in a similar way this summer,” Charlie said.
When this year’s San Francisco marathon was canceled, Charlie knew what he would do –- run his own version of the marathon —his first marathon ever — all by himself. And he was successful, even while wearing a mask for all 26.2 miles!
Charlie experienced a little boost halfway through the marathon, when his good buddy, Josh Levin, showed up to support him. Charlie’s mom and sister also drove six hours to greet him with water and cute signs at the halfway point. “I felt very supported and excited to see them,” Charlie said.
Charlie says that the marathon was genuinely a lot of fun, and he’s looking forward to pushing himself in new ways. Will Charlie be pushing himself in new ways on the Ninja course? We’ll have to wait and see. He didn’t fully commit, but he certainly left the door wide open, saying, “ Possibly…”
We’d certainly love to see his talent and tenacity back on the course again. Fingers crossed!