Pittsburgh Police, Special Olympians Teaming Up For Great Race
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Thousands of runners and walkers will line up Sunday morning for the 39th annual Great Race.
But this time, Pittsburgh Police officers will be joining Special Olympians to strengthen a bond that has grown over the years.
Assistant Chief Scott Schubert and Officer Krista Hoebel limber up on the North Shore with Special Olympians Jonathan Tyler and Mike Maker.
The Great Race is just the latest in a series of events teaming officers with Olympians.
"It helps build confidence in the athletes," says Assistant Chief Schubert. "And it helps us in law enforcement become better police officers and better human beings."
"We get to run with them, and what they're doing is so wonderful," adds Officer Hoebel. "And they get to bring what they do to us. It's just a mix, and it's super nice."
Mike's mom, Sandy Marker, says their 5K walk will be a family affair.
"I'm walking it with him, and my sister, his aunt Jan, is walking the 5K with us. So this is a first for us," Marker says.
Mike says he's looking forward to the walk. But Jonathan Tyler is all about the running.
"I'm excited about the great race," he says. "I think everybody should come out and enjoy the Great Race."
"We get into it thinking we're helping the athletes, and we're not," Schubert says. "In the end, it's the athletes helping us."
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
