Veterans run Wounded Warrior 5k this weekend in downtown Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Local veterans will be hosting a 5k run to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project Saturday in downtown Bowling Green. 

The Wounded Warrior Project raises money to support injured veterans and their families. Usually this WWP Carry Forward 5k would be in Nashville, but because of COVID-19, participants can do the race anywhere they are. 

Each runner will either be carrying an American flag, a weighted vest, or a person on their back for the entire run, symbolizing carrying someone forward. 

Miki Padgett was in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years and the U.S. Army for two years when he was injured by explosive devices. 

“I myself am a wounded veteran, so I went through a lot of those issues. And in order to help others we gotta bring it to the surface. If you don’t talk about it, you’re gonna keep stuffing it down. It’s gonna explode at some time, so if I can bring light to it and say, ‘hey man it’s OK to talk about those things. It’s OK to ask for help.’ That to me that completes the mission right there,” said Padgett. 

Padgett received a Purple Heart for his service in the Army and hopes he can inspire others.