Saturday's River Festival River Run attracted some six thousand participants, but one stood out among all the others.

Alice Pennington, 83, made the decision recently to walk the two mile route and finish on her own. What makes her story so inspiring is just nine months ago she survived a stroke and heart attack.

"Everybody has been cheering me on all the way," Pennington said as she approached the finish line. Pennington used a walker and was closely watched by relatives and emergency personnel all along the route.

In a way, even despite her medical setbacks, Pennington said she was well prepared for the walk.

"I used to walk two miles to school and two miles home every day," Pennington said.

"We didn't think she'd make it all the way," said Janine Barnhart, Pennington's daughter. "Hopefully this will show her she can still do this stuff, and that life goes on."

Pennington crossed the finish line at 11:30 Saturday morning, three and a half hours after she started. She was the last to cross, but was met with cheers and awarded a medal for her perseverance. She says she never took a single break.

"I feel great," she said. "Of course, my legs are a little tired."

Pennington says if her health holds out, she'd love to participate in the River Run again next year. She'll be 84 years-old in August.