DETROIT -- Kate Upton has a pretty rigorous workout routine with trainers as part of her job. Still, the supermodel and actress figured she was in for a challenge when the Michigan native joined five other Tigers wives and significant others in a workout with Marines on Tuesday at Wayne State University.
"The most surprising part," she said Wednesday, "is probably how sore I feel."
Upton's fiancé, Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, was on hand to provide support during the workout, which raised awareness for next month's Patriot Ruck in downtown Detroit. Verlander's Wins for Warriors Foundation is hosting the ruck, which invites participants to walk through downtown with rucksacks on their backs, simulating ruck marches that are incorporated into military missions and training exercises.
The ruck will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 8 a.m. ET. It will begin at Hart Plaza and follow along the Detroit riverfront. Participants can opt for the three- or six-mile course, and all experience levels are welcome. It coincides with Marine Week Detroit, in which over 700 Marines gather in the city to celebrate Community, Country and Corps.
Registration for the Patriot Ruck is $35 per person, or $25 for military members and veterans. The fee includes real-time photo uploads and finish-line photos. All proceeds benefit local military members and veterans through the Wins for Warriors Foundation.
"The Patriot Ruck is about bringing the community together," Upton said. "You don't have to wear a Marine sack. You can wear a backpack. You can wear a drawstring backpack."
Verlander and Upton have been active in each other's charitable endeavors over the last few years. They've hosted a pet adoption drive the last two Spring Trainings in Lakeland, Fla. However, she said she asked to do the workout. While the Tigers will be on a road trip in Toronto during the Patriot Ruck, Upton said she wants to travel to Detroit to take part.
On Tuesday, she wore a weighted backpack as she went through workouts, and an appreciation for what Marines go through to prepare to protect their country.
"The one I had on was probably 35-40 pounds," she said. "What they are prepping for is carrying 100 pounds and going 20 miles. That's why I think it's awesome what Wins for Warriors is doing. It definitely gives you an appreciation for what they go through, but also it shows their determination."
For more information, visit PatriotRuckDetroit.com.