“I wanted to share a story with you from yesterday’s race that, frankly, I’m still shocked actually happened.

My marathon probably went a lot like others’. I was shooting for a 3:35 goal time, and I was cruising and well on pace for the first 16 or so miles. Then the course got incredibly hot, and my body did not cooperate. I started cramping, my legs started seizing up, and around mile 18 it became a game of just trying to get myself to the finish line. I struggled pretty hard through miles 18–21, running as long as I could, then walking to let my body recover enough to keep going. By mile 21, I had no idea how I was going to finish, and I was even considering dropping out to avoid an injury or passing out. That was when McKinley came into the picture.

As I was walking and limping along the side of the course, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I turned to see another runner in a Special Children’s Charities jersey. He acknowledged my jersey, I acknowledged his, and he asked me how I was doing and whether I was okay. I told him I was struggling and just trying to get to the end. He told me, ‘I’m going to help you get to the finish line.’

From mile 22 to the end, McKinley put us on a run/walk plan that got me through. We chatted about life, and even in the middle of the struggle, McKinley somehow convinced me to run another marathon next year, specifically his hometown Detroit Marathon. Around mile 25, I got some wind back in my sails, but that was when McKinley started to tire. So, just as he had done for me, I stuck with him and gave him some words of encouragement to get to the finish line. We went up the final hill, made the final left turn, and crossed the finish line arm in arm. It was emotional for both of us, and we were very proud of how we finished.

We spent some time cooling down and talking after the race, then went our separate ways. We exchanged social media, and I plan on staying in touch with him. He is an extraordinary guy with a massive heart. I was very close to tapping out at mile 21, and McKinley is the main reason I didn’t.

While I didn’t hit my goal time, I think yesterday taught me a life lesson about what really matters: coming together to reach a common goal. I am forever grateful to McKinley for helping me reach the finish line and achieve something that once seemed impossible to me.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to run for you guys.”