Arlene Bonafacio (L) and Anna McElroy. Credit: Anna Bryson

Laquan Taylor can’t walk or run, but that didn’t stop him from participating in the Skyway 10k on March 3.

“I want to prove to myself that there’s something bigger and better than this sitting down thing,” Taylor said.

In his wheelchair bike, Taylor finished the 10k race alongside other disabled veterans. He served in the Navy for eight years before retiring four years ago due to an injury. He’s now 31.

“I’m here to inspire other people in a wheelchair that you can still do what you want,” he said.

The Skyway 10k donates all of its proceeds to the Armed Forces Families Foundation (AFFF). For its second year, the race capped out at 8,000 participants. Last year, it raised $560,000 to support U.S. military members and their families.

Mike Hill, 51, a retired Air Force veteran, brought along his wife and two of his daughters to participate in the race with him this year.

For Hill, it’s a way to stay connected and give back to the community he served. He ran the race last year with his 21-year-old daughter, Kaela, but walked this year so he could cross the finish line with his wife, Tina.

“My husband was in the military for 26 years, so we want to give back now that we’re retired,” Tina Hill said. “And how many people can say they ran over the Skyway Bridge?”

The first-place winner, Robert Gomez from Portland, Maine, finished in 33 minutes and 23 seconds.

In the wheelchair division, Robert McCown, 51, of St. Petersburg, finished first, in 24 minutes and 30 seconds.

Arlene Bonafacio, 54, and Anna McElroy, 74, became friends the day of the race and helped each other push on. Bonafacio decided to participate in the race in order to conquer her fear of bridges. Mcelroy walked because she’s recovering from a heart attack.

“She’s here to fix her fears, I’m here to fix my heart,” McElroy said.

Jean Corn and her daughter, Jennifer, participated in the race to honor Jean’s husband, who served in the Air Force, and Jennifer’s, who served in the Army.

Some people were there simply to enjoy the race and the beauty of running over the Skyway.

Jeffrey Smith, 64, and his hiking buddy, Paul Thompson, 48, traveled from Asheville, North Carolina, to run the race. Their next stop is a 10k in Charleston next month, but for now, they need a beer.

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