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High school runner refuses to compete wearing number 666

Codie Thacker trained all year for this race. She ran mile after mile and pushed herself to be ready for a peak performance at the regional championship.

But when race organizers handed her bib number 666 Codie handed it right back.

"I didn't want to risk my relationship with God and try to take that number," Codie told WLEX-TV.

Thacker and her coach weren’t trying to be hard to get along with. They asked the Kentucky High School Athletic Association on more than one occasion to please change the number.

Each time they were told no.

A KHSAA mouthpiece told the station they were never told the request was made due to religious beliefs but Thacker says that’s not true.

“I told them to mark out my name because it makes me sick just thinking that my name is associated with that number,” Codie said firmly.

Thacker had plenty of backing in her decision including her coach Gina Croley.

“I couldn’t have been more proud of her had she won the entire regional race,” Gina beamed.

Thacker’s season is over now but she’ll be back next year and she promises to be faster than ever.

More here.

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