Seattle Marathon: 26.2 grueling miles through the fog, cold
SEATTLE - The Seattle Marathon took over 26.2 miles of city streets Sunday.
The race course started and ended near the Experience Music Project and took runners along some of the prettiest stretches of the city, which could be seen through a thick fog.
Thousands of runners braved the cold to raise money for important causes.
Trisha Westly came all the way from the East Coast.
"I trained for New York under Autism Speaks, raised $3,000 and - as you know - the hurricane cancelled the race," says Westly.
Another runner was raising funds to treat a 5-year-old girl with cancer who already has undergone two years of chemotherapy.
Despite the cold and fog, the racers were in high spirits.
"It's a little chilly out here, but it's good it's good weather for racing," said runner Whitney Gibson.
Even though it was dry, some still wore plastic trash bags.
"Keeps us warm while we're waiting for the run," said one.
More than 15,000 runners hit the streets for annual Seattle Marathon - and these athletes say you don't just show up to take on the hilly course.
"Lots of training. I'm always walking and running," said one man.
Competitors in Sunday's race could qualify for the famous Boston Marathon. Others just wanted to know if they could complete the endurance test.
"They are getting ready to get married, so this is how they are bonding," one runner confided about his racing friends.
A grueling run, not for the faint of heart.
The race course started and ended near the Experience Music Project and took runners along some of the prettiest stretches of the city, which could be seen through a thick fog.
Thousands of runners braved the cold to raise money for important causes.
Trisha Westly came all the way from the East Coast.
"I trained for New York under Autism Speaks, raised $3,000 and - as you know - the hurricane cancelled the race," says Westly.
Another runner was raising funds to treat a 5-year-old girl with cancer who already has undergone two years of chemotherapy.
Despite the cold and fog, the racers were in high spirits.
"It's a little chilly out here, but it's good it's good weather for racing," said runner Whitney Gibson.
Even though it was dry, some still wore plastic trash bags.
"Keeps us warm while we're waiting for the run," said one.
More than 15,000 runners hit the streets for annual Seattle Marathon - and these athletes say you don't just show up to take on the hilly course.
"Lots of training. I'm always walking and running," said one man.
Competitors in Sunday's race could qualify for the famous Boston Marathon. Others just wanted to know if they could complete the endurance test.
"They are getting ready to get married, so this is how they are bonding," one runner confided about his racing friends.
A grueling run, not for the faint of heart.
Really the best way to view downtown Seattle at a brisk pace...
Ah, man. Wish I had been able to go. Hope everyone had fun!
I used to run, now I hobble had both knees replaced, wish I could have joined them. But then again running on cement is the worst thing in the world for your joints and your feet. Ah yes to be a leaf on the wind once again. Good going to all.
Caption for above picture:
Â
Panicked masses run from zombie "infection" through Seattle streets...
Cool, foggy weather for a marathon sounds a lot better than 90 degrees, 80% humidity and searing sun with some marathons, Â
Good for these people and their motivations.
Â
As news though, this is pointless unless reported prior to the event so I don't get stuck in traffic. People work hard every day in infinite ways for the benefit of others. You completely ignore them.
@wysoumible I have a feeling if you took care of your body and excercised, you would probably be inclined to run with these people. Dont be mad at them, its never too late to start
 @wysoumible It happens the same time same place same day every year. Too bad you got stuck in traffic puffing on a cigarette.
Finished 4:59:38. 2nd worst finish, very hilly course, holy crap, kicked my butt.
 @PacificNWRunner But you finished.
 @PacificNWRunner You should be patting yourself on the back, that is awesome!  I'm a halfer but would never do the Seattle 1/2 because of the weather.  Brrrrr.  Be proud of yourself!
 @PacificNWRunner well done, finishing a Marathon is no small feat regardless the time
I respect the runners, but next time they map what streets are open and closed, please be correct. Some need to go to work and live in the runners zone.
I do not run for fun, but every time I see people doing a Marathon, I am inspire to want to do it.Â