ING Miami Marathon Draws Record Numbers
Runners took over the Magic City Sunday morning as a record 25,000 athletes registered for the ING Miami Marathon on its 10th anniversary.
It's one of the flattest, most scenic courses in the country and on this race-day the heat was definitely turned up. Just ask Christopher Rodriguez, from Atlanta.
"I'd like to think I'm from a hot place, but whoa Miami," she said.
Weather was a huge draw for the sold-out crowd. Runners from every state and at least 79 countries turned out at the starting line outside American Airlines Arena.
"It feels amazing to be a part of it. I saw the beaches. It's beautiful," said 14-year-old Thomas Jimenez, running in his second half-marathon.
The 26.2 mile course took runners from downtown Miami to Miami Beach, Brickell and Coconut Grove to finish outside of Bayfront Park.
Winner Samuel Malakwen of Kenya came in at 2 hours and 16 minutes.
But just crossing the finish line meant victory.
The event is estimated to pump $45 million dollars into the local economy through hotel stays, restaurants, shopping and other spending.
This year's commemorative medal is bigger and heavier than it was in past years and, in true Miami fashion, it came with a little bit of bling in the center.
