INDIANAPOLIS — Tyler Nichols, a 14-year-old leukemia patient, walked 13.1 miles in the hallways of Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis after his diagnosis prevented him from running the official 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. The eighth grader completed the distance by walking 210 laps over two days in the hospital's oncology unit.

Tyler, who had previously competed in cross-country and track, was diagnosed after doctors ordered blood work. His older brother suggested the personal Mini-Marathon after watching him walk five and then seven miles during chemotherapy recovery. Tyler took on the challenge while still receiving treatment.

His mother, Emily Nichols, accompanied him through the laps. "I pushed his little IV pole for him. I swear it was on two wheels going around each corner," she said.

Hospital staff cheered him on as he made his way through the unit. "When we'd periodically pop in his room, he had his tennis shoes on, he was ready to go," said Dr. Tina Ebenroth, a Pediatric Hematology and Oncology fellow. "He did ask if he could run near the end and we said, 'Well, how about a fast walk?'" she added.

Organizers of the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon sent Tyler a swag bag and a finishers' medal. His effort prompted other children at Riley Hospital to walk the halls, and the hospital is considering a way to let more patients participate in the race next year. Doctors say movement can aid healing by boosting physical and mental well-being.

Tyler said he plans to run the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in person next year and is targeting January 2028 to ring the bell at Riley Hospital after completing leukemia treatment. "I had a whole IV pole with me full of fluids and a little bit of chemo. Just going in circles for 210 laps," he said. "Once I'm set on something, I'm not going to stop until it's over," he added.