Runners across New York City will race in the Brooklyn Half Marathon Saturday, and one runner from the Bronx has a special purpose this year and an even more special running partner.

Bronx runner Verissimo Costa thought he was the epitome of health until one day his heart stopped during a run.

In 2018, he was going for a run like any other day along the Hudson River when he collapsed seemingly out of nowhere.

Costa had no pulse for several minutes and was rushed to the hospital. He later found out that he had undetected heart disease.

He spent weeks recovering at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital and needed emergency heart surgery. Not only is he back on his feet, but he's also running the Brooklyn Half Marathon with the surgeon who saved his life.

His recovery touched the heart of his doctor, Dr. John Puskas, and inspired him to run the 13-mile trek this year too.

The two men plan to make this a tradition and run the Brooklyn Half Marathon together each year.