Soldier who lost leg in Afghanistan to run marathon

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Running the Boston Marathon is a huge accomplishment no matter who you are, but for one us soldier -- who 14 months ago lost his leg in Afghanistan -- it’s particularly special.

It was barely over a year ago that US soldier Cameron Kerr lost his leg, but that hasn't stopped him from realizing some amazing goals.

Now, thanks to an incredible attitude and a lot of hard work, he's heading to Hopkinton.

Kerr was serving as a platoon leader in the Kandahar province last February when he lost his leg.

Once he received a prosthetic, he quickly set his sights on a slew of new challenges.

“Starting off small, just walking five miles in Central Park last June,” he said. “I moved onto the Marine Corp Marathon 10k in DC; the New York City Marathon -- I hand cycled 16 and ran the last ten; Just in January the Disney Half Marathon, which to date is the furthest I've ever run in my life. Myself and my running partner decided, if we can do that why not Boston.”

Kerr credits the Achilles International Foundation for showing him the opportunities available to wounded veterans.

Of course the heat is expected to be a big concern for runners Monday, but you can bet it won’t be the biggest challenge Cameron Kerr has faced.

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