FRESNO-CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — Thousands took to the streets of Fresno and Clovis for the 17th annual Two Cities Marathon.<\/p>\n
Each runner with their own journey to the finish line.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
The race route is filled with high energy and support, each step met with the sound of drums and cheers.<\/p>\n
Runners conquered four different distances: the 5k, 10k, half-marathon and full-marathon.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The woman’s champion, Central Valley local, Kylie Mantz, brought home the title on her debut race.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The mild start to the morning made for a perfect race day.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Racers filled with emotions as they crossed the finish line. Among them, our very own Action News Anchor Jessica Harrington.<\/p>\n
The hard work and training paid off but it was the support that made it worthwhile.<\/p>\n
For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Col\u00f3n on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n