PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Athletes pounded the pavement of the Ben Franklin Parkway for the 29th annual Philadelphia Marathon early Sunday morning.
Many of the runners in the 26.2-mile race that winds through the city, did their part to help ensure some of the city’s less fortunate also come away with a win.
Like many of the other runners, participant Paul Eppler says the bitter November cold and wind forced him to layer up.
“I’m wearing half tights, some arm warmers and some gloves,” he said. “I subscribe to the school that if you look fast, you’ll run fast.”
Related
Soon after the race started, thousands of articles of clothing from Eppler and other participants that were left on the Ben Franklin parkway were picked up by volunteers. Volunteer Natalie Dee says she’s doing her part to help make sure the running gear could go another mile.
“It feels great knowing that these clothes that have been used by good people that are going to do an amazing event and then their going to be used again,” she said. “We’re now helping pack all the clothes into bags to donate to the Salvation Army.”
The clothes being donated range from shoes and hoodies to gloves and hats.
Officials say around 30 thousand people took part in the marathon, half marathon, and other races that took place over the weekend.
Timed at 2 hours and 31 minutes, American runner Amber Zimmerman was first for the women to cross the finish line.
Kenyan runner Dominic Ondoro won the men’s race with a time of 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Related
