About 480 runners will cross the finish line at Hart Plaza in the inaugural "Wins for Warriors" four mile race put on by Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander in an event very dear to his heart.
"To be here and see it, see the physical people showing up and the support instead of it just being a charity on paper, this is a real deal and it's a pretty special moment for me," Verlander said.
Every runner has a story as to why they participated in this particular one, race winner, Matt Fecht, wanted to honor his late grandfather.
"My grandpa was in the 43rd bomb group so I figured I'd honor him today and kinda have him out there with me, so I was excited to wear it for the race," Fecht said.
But he wasn't the only one to run for a purpose, John Agar and Verlander have had a special bond for years, and John was able to finish this race, with his idol looking on. Talk about inspiration that goes both ways.
"The main reason I look up to him is because he works hard in the ninth inning just like he does in the first or the seventh inning, it's what he does in the ninth, and that's why I need to finish strong in my life, that's why he's a role model for me, it really means a lot to me," John said.
"You could see it in his face, you can see the willpower, he was digging down deep and he's just going to finish that race no matter what, it's a pretty similar feeling I'm sure," Verlander added.
Verlander says that regardless of what happens in his career, this event will continue to be held in Detroit every year moving forward.
