'Turning cants into cans:' Virginia 10 Miler groups make sure everyone can participate
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The 48th Annual Virginia 10 Miler took place Saturday morning with people from all over the country and the world participating.
For one special group though, it's all about making sure that everyone gets a chance to be a part of the fun.
Sophie Brooks is a senior at E.C. Glass High School and the star of Team Sophie.
She had the chance to run in the race with her family friend Amanda Myers-Ramirez, who was pushing her to victory.
"It was fun," Brooks said with a big smile.
"The race is amazing, the course is beautiful, but I wouldn't run it without Sophie," Myers-Ramirez said with Sophie by her side.
RELATED: 'A complete success:' Virginia 10 Miler celebrates 48th annual run
She said that Sophie continues to motivate her every day.
"Sophie's really our inspiration," Myers-Ramirez explained. "We're just so proud of her and everything she's achieved."
Another team that ran Saturday is David Haden and his daughter Alicia.
"I just enjoy allowing her to have the experience of running the race," Haden said.
He explained that there's nothing he loves more than seeing her cross that finish line next to him.
"To be the one helping her achieve these goals, it's really important to me," Haden said.
SEE ALSO: Liberty pushes forward at home to defeat Akron 21-12
Sophie said there's one thing that she loves the most about the race.
"When everyone cheers," Sophie explained.
Myers-Ramirez said she hopes they'll inspire others.
"Turning cants into cans," Ramirez explained. "When you think you can't do something, just finding your motivation and finding what inspires you, and doing it."
Both teams already said they're so excited to participate in next year's run.
Haden and Alicia are even going to be running a full marathon which Haden said will be taking place in November.
