FRESNO-CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — Thousands took to the streets of Fresno and Clovis for the 17th annual Two Cities Marathon.
Each runner with their own journey to the finish line.
“This is actually my first time. I’ve been meaning to do it for a while. I just turned 29 and will turn 30 next year and I wanted to get it done as soon as possible,” says runner Noah Villaverde.
“I’m 66 now and I know I can do it. It’s time to just do a 10k runner walk and take it easy, but it was a great experience. Fresno has a really good, supportive run,” said another runner, Isabel Schlotterbac.
The race route is filled with high energy and support, each step met with the sound of drums and cheers.
Runners conquered four different distances: the 5k, 10k, half-marathon and full-marathon.
Aarom Samansky, owner of Fleet Feet and Two Cities Marathon, told Action News that their event brings many people from across the country and around the world.
The woman’s champion, Central Valley local, Kylie Mantz, brought home the title on her debut race.
“That was what I kept hearing throughout my training, you have to respect the marathon, respect the distance of it and I think I underestimated it,” said Mantz. “I’ve done a lot longer, but I did not anticipate how hard that is but I’m very impressed and I didn’t think I could do that.”
The mild start to the morning made for a perfect race day.
The weather is awesome. It is great. I mean, I was born in Madera, so I’m aware of the heat and everything. It’s great weather,” said Schlotterbac.
Racers filled with emotions as they crossed the finish line. Among them, our very own Action News Anchor Jessica Harrington.
The hard work and training paid off but it was the support that made it worthwhile.
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