Gary Kaleta was thrilled to be participating in his 5th marathon in a row at the Health and Fitness Expo. His goal this year was to get healthy and start running 5K races, and he saw this race as a perfect opportunity to achieve that goal. Meanwhile, Gary Kirby had not run a marathon since 2015 and had undergone two hip replacements. For him, this race was his “hay day” and a chance to prove that he could still run a marathon.
Jack Staph, the executive director for the marathon, shared that around 10,000 people had registered for the runs this weekend. Staph emphasized the importance of safety and health for all participants, with extensive planning going into ensuring that everything ran smoothly. A full security staff had been hired to secure the course and surrounding grounds.
As friends and family members prepared for the weekend’s events, Staph shared his favorite part of the marathon: the finish line. He described the mix of emotions that participants experience as they cross the finish line, from laughter to tears. The excitement of the event would kick off on Saturday at 7:30 a.m. with the 5K and 10K races, followed by the full marathon on Sunday at 7 a.m.
The dedication and determination of each runner, combined with the careful planning and security measures in place, set the stage for a successful and memorable marathon weekend.
