NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Running 4 Heroes is a non-profit founded by a 10-year old Floridian Zechariah.
The mission of the non-profit is to raise funds for injured first responders while paying tribute to our Fallen Heroes through running.
One of his newest missions was running a mile in the honor of fallen Newport News Police Officer Katie Thyne carrying the Blue Line Flag.
10 On Your Side spoke to him about his efforts. “I started to realize that they don’t get honored as much as they should be. So I wanted to start running, not just for fun, but for them so they can always be remembered,” said Zechariah.
On a track in Florida this past Friday, the day after Officer Thyne’s tragic death , 10-year-old Zechariah ran a mile, flag in hand, followed by a police car. The flag he ran with will be sent to Officer Thyne’s family, along with a handwritten note.
“One thing that’s been really inspiring to me is getting to either text with the families or talk to the families in person, and then just telling me how thankful they are that I did that,” said Zechariah.
He wants the families to know their loved ones sacrifices are appreciated, even if they are a thousand miles away.