For the first time in five years City of Oaks marathon runners returned to Raleigh. Check out the action.
RALEIGH-- For the first time in five years City of Oaks marathon runners returned to Raleigh. Thousands of runners laced up their shoes to take part in this year's City of Oaks marathon and half marathon through the downtown area. For some runners, the marathon was more than just a race.
For runners, staying warm is essential before a long workout. “I wish it was warmer to start,” said marathon runner Pete Curtice.
But despite the chilly weather, one marathon runner says he's ready to go. “The past 10 weeks I have just been running, I’ve been running about 30 miles a week,” marathon runner Shaun McLaughlin said.
For some runners, it’s not just about competing for the best time, it is more about just finishing the race. “I want to finish,” said marathon runner Ann Camden.
For some runners the marathon is more than just a race.
But the marathon is not just a race for some runners. “I have had some relatives that unfortunately passed away because they have cancer,” said Luis Villareal.
“I have a bunch of people that I know that have had cancer or are recovering from it,” added McLaughlin.
The City of Oaks Marathon helps fund research for the American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Marathon Co-Director Kazem Yahyapour says finding a cure for cancer is one of the reasons this marathon is off to a big start.
“We thought everyone of us affected with cancer, and my mother died from cancer, so we thought it’s good to help some of the society,” Yahyapour explained.
For other runners, it's just nice to have a marathon right here at home. “It’s nice to have a good marathon and half marathon in Raleigh so we’re excited to have one at home that we don't need to travel for,” added Curtice.
About 3500 runners participated in this year's marathon. City leaders say the marathon brings tourism and revenue to downtown Raleigh.