A group of runners in Mesa hits the streets with a purpose in every step.
Tim Soto is a sergeant in the United States Army. He's running with his wife and friends with an American flag in his arm. He carries it with him on every run even if his friends aren’t with him.
Growing up Soto says he always felt there was a void that could only be filled by the red, white and blue.
"I wanted to serve my country," said Soto. "I wanted to provide some kind of fulfillment of serving my country."
Then 9/11 happened. It was a turning point for America and a life-changer for Soto and his wife, Marcy.
"That minute right there was...felt that void all over again as far as you need to do something," said Soto.
He joined the Army at 32 years old which is considered a little late in life to start a military career — but this is Soto's purpose in life.
Now, he's hoping his love for America and for running will start to catch on.
He's started the 30 Days of Purpose Challenge. Every day, runners from around the country pick a different person who lost their lives or survived the 9/11 attack and then run in their honor. Folks snap a photo then post it on social media with the hashtag #30DaysofPurpose.
Soto says now when he laces up there's a new reason to run.
"I hope that it will revive the sincerity of everything that's going on so it won't just fade out in history books," he said.
