Marine Helps 9-Year-Old Boy Finish Marathon, Runs Alongside Him Until Finish Line

A marine, who helped a nine-year-old boy finish a five kilometre run by dropping back and encouraging him over the finish line, has become an internet sensation after a photo of his endeavors was captured.

Myles Kerr, a Lance Corporal, was on leave in his hometown of Charlevoix, Michigan, when he decided to partake in the run. However, as he competed in the event he came across 9-year-old Boden Fuchs, who was struggling to keep up with the pack of runners.

Fuchs then adorably asked the 19-year-old Kerr, “Sir, will you please run with me?,” after he fell away from his running ensemble. Like any good soldier, Kerr was never going to leave a man behind, so the marine helped the 9-year-old boy finish the marathon after allowing his army buddies, which he was running with, to pelt off a full speed.

Kerr even allowed his running partner to finish in front of him, with Fuchs finally clocking in at 34.53 minutes, whilst Kerr completed the race in 34.58 minutes.

Kerr, who was wearing his army garments, repeatedly encouraged Fuchs, and now the picture of him alongside the child has amassed 200,000 likes on Facebook and has already been shared 45,000 times.

Users have praised the Lance Corporal, labeling him a “hero” and a “role model,” whilst Kerr has become a minor celebrity in his town, as radio stations, newspapers, and blogs have scrambled to interview him.

Kerr took to Twitter after receiving a hoard of messages praising his run, writing, “I was just doing what any man would do, but thank you!” Fuchs’ family have thanked him by buying Kerr a $100 voucher for a restaurant in town, however he will need to spend it quickly as he is set to return to duty on Sunday.

Do you think that Myles Kerr is a hero for helping the 9-year old boy finish the marathon?

[Image via Facebook]