Among the hundreds of people who pounded the pavement in Denver during the marathon was a group of firefighters, who ran the half-marathon in full-gear. They are from the Elk Creek Fire Department in Conifer and ran the half-marathon in full firefighting gear to prove a point.
"We did this as more of a reason just to encourage our brothers and sisters in arms to really get out there and keep themselves healthy, keep themselves active and remember why we are doing this," said Reginald Westmacott with the Elk Creek Fire Department.
Their message to fellow firefighters: keep their masks on and handle their equipment with care, all in an effort to prevent cancer, which is rampant among their ranks.
"As firefighters, that's one off the biggest things that kills us," Lt. Sander said.
For 13 miles, over the course of more than four hours, they ran with their gear -- even switching air tanks when they ran out every 45 minutes.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
