With the help of sons, Michael and Matt, he completed the 2025 Boston Marathon in a racing wheelchair in late April. "I was pointing to people, showing them the heart symbol," Birkel said.

The annual Detroit Free Press Marathon, which takes place this year the weekend of October 17, is tops on USA Today’s 10Best 2025 list for Best Marathons in the U.S.

The Half Marathon is on Sunday, July 21, starting at 7 a.m. at Cuvaison Estate Wines, 1221 Duhig Road, Napa, and finishing in the Sonoma Plaza. To learn more about the annual race and details for ...