When ultra-marathon runner Donna Arrington, a longtime UAB Medicine nurse, lined up for the 2020 Mercedes Marathon here in Birmingham, she expected a challenging race. However, she did not expect her right femur to break mid-race. After experiencing serious pain while she ran, Arrington collapsed at mile 16 when her femur fractured. She was assessed by on-site medical personnel before being transferred to UAB Hospital for emergency care.
Orthopaedic trauma surgeon Jonathan Quade, M.D., led her surgery and treated her femur, while developing a recovery plan focused not only on her healing, but helping Arrington return to competitive running.
“Dr. Quade never treated me like running was something I should give up,” said Arrington. “He gave me confidence that I could recover and get back to doing what I love.”
Following surgery, Arrington began physical therapy and rehabilitation while steadily returning to everyday activities. As she advanced, Quade referred her to Amit Momaya, M.D., chief of Sports & Exercise Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, for her ongoing treatment of tendinopathy and the removal of additional hardware that was causing her discomfort.
“Dr. Momaya is an exceptional practitioner,” said Arrington.” He listened to me and made me feel heard and understood. I felt like the most important patient in his care.”
Less than a year after her injury, Arrington returned to running, competing in multiple endurance events. While a traditional marathon covers 26.2 miles, ultra running covers grueling distances across a variety of terrain, requiring both physical and mental strength.
Arrington's return even exceeded her own expectations. Once back on her feet, she completed the 2023 Mercedes Marathon, finishing and winning her age group. Since her injury, Arrington has also competed in 29 trail races, including six 100-mile ultramarathons. She finished as the overall female winner in seven races and earned additional top three overall female finishes in eight others.
One of her recent accomplishments came last June at the Western States Endurance Race, one of the world's most prestigious ultramarathons. After covering the nearly 100-mile course, Arrington missed the cutoff time by mere minutes. Organizers still allowed her to cross the finish line, highlighting the determination that fueled her recovery.
“None of these accomplishments would have been possible without Dr. Quade and Dr. Momaya,” said Arrington. “They gave me the confidence I needed to keep pushing my limits and believing I could return to the sport I love. Their support helped me through one of the most difficult challenges of my life.”
Today, Arrington says the experience made her stronger both mentally and physically. As she reaches her 60th birthday, Arrington is committed to running although she now focuses on shorter distances. Arrington credits the UAB Orthopaedic and Sports & Exercise Medicine teams for helping her rebuild her confidence and continue pushing her limits years after her injury.