Josephat Ongeri of Kenya
Elena Orlova of Russia
BUFFALO, NY - Approximately 5,200 runners hit the pavement Sunday morning in hopes of completing the Buffalo Marathon.
Participants were able to run in a full marathon, half marathon or a relay race. The races began on Pearl Street, twisted and turned throughout the city and ended in front of the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
WEB EXTRA: Click here to see a photo gallery from the marathon
For the men, Josephat Ongeri from Kenya came in first place with 2:20:23. In second and third place are Dereje Hailegiois of Ethiopia, 2:20:43; and Peter Omae of Kenya, 2:21:03.
For the women, Elena Orlova of Russia, also the 2009 winner, coming in at 2:43:48. In second and third place are Heather McWhirter of Glenwood, NY, 2:45:33; and Muliye Gurmu of Ethiopia, 2:59:22.
Some runners weren't in the marathon for themselves, though. There were several groups running in the relay races on behalf of local charities. Organizations like Hospice Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter benefitted from those races.
Over 1,000 volunteers were on-hand to help pass out water, hold traffic signs and assist with post-race party tasks. Many residents were on the sidewalks just offering their support to the runners.