Photos of Louisville cop helping woman finish 10K go viral

A woman who was photographed being helped to the finish line of a 10K race by a Louisville, Kentucky police officer will be honored along with the officer by the city's mayor.

The photos showing Louisville police Lt. Aubrey Gregory helping Asia Ford finishing the Rodes City 10K caused an online sensation and prompted Louisville's mayor to pay tribute to the woman, officer and photographer on Monday.

According to WAVE-TV, Ford has lost over 200 pounds and trained several months for the race. But with just over a mile left, Ford began to struggle with her breathing. That's when her son Terrance, EMS workers and Officer Gregory intervened.

"The EMS guys got out to check on her, and she said I'm not stopping, I'm not stopping," Gregory told WAVE-TV. "So I said I'm not going to let her stop, we're going to do this together. So I got out and I grabbed her hand. I had to meet this inspirational woman."

With the help of her son and Officer Gregory, Ford managed to walk the remaining 1.2 miles.

"I almost had a slip up with my breathing," Ford wrote on Facebook, "but a police officer by the name of Mr Gregory got out and took my hand to finish the race with my baby and I and WE MADE IT!!!"

The images went viral on social media, where Ford's story of weight loss and Gregory's compassion resonated with commenters.

"As someone who has also lost 200lbs...I know how HARD you worked for this wonderful moment," wrote one commenter.

Ford, Gregory and photographer Jonathan Roberts were scheduled to be honored Monday by Louisville Mayor Greg for "health and compassion."

"It was a great moment," the officer told WAVE-TV, "and I'm glad she let me be a part of it."