Thousands of athletes journey across Sunshine Skyway in support of armed forces
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Nearly 8,000 runners, walkers and hand cyclists representing all 50 states and several different countries watched the sunrise as they trekked from Manatee to Pinellas County across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to reach the finish line at the annual Skyway 10k Race
Among them was Kevin Powell a veteran of the U.S. Army, who held the American flag with his daughter Megan for the entire 6.2 miles.
"My daughter ran this with me, and we would trade off the flag while we were running," Powell explained. It's called carry the load."
A Skyway 10K participant runs with the American flag.
They had a beautiful view for an even better cause that was close to their hearts. The Skyway 10K benefits the Armed Forces Families Foundation.
To date, nearly $3 million of race registration money has gone towards projects supporting the military and their families; Something Powell knows firsthand is very beneficial.
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"An enlisted soldier trying to make ends meet budget-wise...it's a struggle...so it's a nice foundation, it's a good cause, and it really brings some financial relief to soldiers and their families," he said.
Runners making their way across the Sunshine Skyway.
Veterans are not only motivated to race, but for some, it's part of their healing.
READ: Thousands run across Sunshine Skyway Bridge for military families
Paul Schulte rode his hand cycle with a group of other local athletes and injured veterans from Wounded Warrior Ability ranch.
A runner gets a medal for completing the Skyway 10K.
"The whole purpose of the organization is to help their families as well as get out and active," Shulte added. "So that just makes our day. We love helping them get out and do stuff like this, just like every runner and able-bodied athlete."
With each medal received at the finish line- a nod to those who serve and sacrifice for our country.
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Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Toni Schuck was honored this year for her heroic actions at last year's race. That's when she put her car in the path of an accused drunk driver heading toward runners in a heroic effort to protect them.