BUFFALO, N.Y. — While many people may have spent the holiday weekend firing up their grills and launching their boats, thousands laced up their running shoes and got their hearts pumping.
The 23rd annual Buffalo Marathon took place over Memorial Day weekend. Runners from 17 countries and 46 states all gathered to take a tour of Buffalo on foot.
"Man, that was so cool to see that finish line and know what my time was and know that I could do it if I put in one more little surge," says Jenny Kennan.
She's a Buffalo native, and coach at Amherst High School. She ran the race with a few of her athletes, which motivated her to finish. She has a long-running career. She's also the first place female finisher.
"You never know who's going to be out here on any given day. Women are fantastic and can do extraordinary things. So, I was out here to hit a personal best today, and I did that, and that was more meaningful than anything else."
For your hardcore runners and not-so-hardcore runners, this is a great way to support a good cause for a cardiovascular initiative with the Buffalo General Medical Center.
"It was gorgeous today. Kind of overcast, it was a little foggy to start, which made it really magical and pretty cool to be out there that first half" Keenan said.
Those who will benefit from the $1.7 million raised are the true winners, but on race day there can only be one. This year's overall first place winner was Scott Loforte.
Being from the Rochester area with an extensive running career, this is his first time running in the Buffalo Marathon.
"That was a PR for me. I think I broke 2:20- it was close, but I think I dipped just under. So, [I'm] excited to get through that milestone. That was a goal of mine," Loforte says. "It is pretty lonely out there in the back half when you get out of the way from where the half marathon finishes, but you hit this final home stretch, that was just a different kind of energy, and that was a lot of fun to sort of finish up in that kind of crowd."
The marathon started on Delaware Ave. and ended on Franklin Street. After the race, all those who ran got to celebrate their achievements at a post-race party.
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