A secret service agent got cancer. Then he decided to run a 100K

Washington — Secret Service special agent Rodney Wellman is facing one of life’s toughest challenges: running a 100K race while battling cancer.

A year ago, Wellman thought he had a chest cold — but that presumed cold turned out to be stage 4 lung cancer. Last month, he started radiation for tumors in his brain. But even that didn’t stop him from attempting to run the 100K, which is approximately 62 miles.

“I am here today to promote lung cancer awareness,” Wellman said on race day, “and to bring attention to the fact that lung cancer kills more Americans every year than any other cancer out there.”

He also wants Americans to know that lung cancer can target non-smokers, like him, too.

“If you have lungs, you can get cancer,” he said.

He considered running a marathon, but decided that wasn’t enough. “I wanted to take it to another level and run the 100K,” he said.

Severe cramping did stop Wellman — but only after he had run 43 miles, grinding out each one for his family, his secret service colleagues and others with cancer who might not have the strength to do the impossible.

“This is a long fight, and we’re just getting started,” he said.