Reflections on the Kiawah Island Half Marathon
Image credit: Imagination’s Eye Photography
On December 9, 2023, Laura King Edwards, guided by Andrew Swistak, attempted to set a world record for fastest blindfolded half marathon by a female, all without the safety net of a tether. As Laura pushed her body to the limits, battling high humidity and difficult sections of the Kiawah Island Half Marathon, our cameras rolled, capturing the highs, the lows, and the indomitable spirit of a woman on a mission.
Laura and Andrew crossed the finish line at 1:57:09 — two minutes and nine seconds off the 1:55 standard they had to beat for the record. But while it’s not the result they hoped for, the story is far from over.
More than a Record
“As much as it hurts, I’m proud of what Andrew and I achieved. Grateful for the opportunity. Mindful that today, more than five years after her death, Taylor still drives me to do things that, under normal circumstances, shouldn’t even be possible. ”
Laura's motivation transcends the pursuit of a world record; it is deeply rooted in her connection to her sister, Taylor. Taylor's inspiring story of resilience, courage and relentless determination serves as the beating heart of "Blind Momentum.”
Beyond the finish line, Laura's story continues. The film promises to delve deeper into this extraordinary journey, capturing the emotions, struggles and triumphs that define Laura's pursuit. Laura's unwavering spirit, fueled by the memory of her sister, promises that she is far from done—setting the stage for a story that goes beyond records and speaks to the capacity of the human spirit to turn the impossible into possible.
As our film team is hard at work in the edit suite, Laura’s blog post, "The End of a Race, but not the End of a Journey," gives us a glimpse into the raw and unfiltered emotions that accompanied every stride.
