Achilles Connecticut athlete Gail Bruno has earned the title “Survivor” several times over. In her 20s, Gail was diagnosed with cervical cancer and later sustained a head-and-neck injury in the workplace. Recovery involved over a year of therapy. On her 40th birthday, Gail made a wish to one day complete a marathon, and on April 1, 2017, Gail's dream finally came true when she completed the Savin Rock full Marathon, just shy of her 42nd birthday, with her husband, sister, and children present.
However, just two weeks after the race, while out on a training run, Gail was struck by an SUV and sustained multiple severe injuries from the accident. For six months, she was unable to walk. “My therapist suggested that I look into Achilles,” she says. “My goal was to get active again, and I had seen Achilles athletes and guides at the New York City Marathon. I was excited that they could support me in my goals, so I quickly signed up!” Since then, Gail has finished 4 marathons, 11 half marathons, and countless 5ks and 10ks. Her first significant comeback race was the NYC marathon in 2019, followed by an even faster completion in 2022. She also completed the Chicago Marathon in 2023. During her ongoing recuperation and racing, Gail completed her Masters's degree in entrepreneurship and small business management in 2020, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She manages her small business, Route 1 Guitars, with her husband, John, while raising two small children. Gail faced her third major obstacle in 2021 when diagnosed with Uterine Cancer. As of 2023, she is now cancer-free after enduring major surgery and battling long Covid. Her dream is to complete all the Abbott World Marathon Majors into her 50s, continuously inspiring other disabled athletes to pursue their dreams of running despite disabilities.
Gail is a true survivor. When asked why she runs, Gail responds, “I don’t want my new disabilities to define me. I was a marathoner, and I can be one again.” Gail will be running the London Marathon this April and the Berlin Marathon next fall, always emphasizing, “I'm here doing it, living for today, and loving running again.”
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