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Thousands run NYC's First Half Marathon

Sunday, August 27, 2006

(New York-WABC, August 27, 2006) (WABC) -- More than 10,000 people ran the first ever NYC Half-Marathon Sunday, and it proved to be a true test of endurance for all who hit the pavement: Amateur and professional runner alike. Eyewitness News reporter Carolina Tarazona brought us the view from the sidelines.

Runners got their sneakers, their numbers, and their determination. It's the NYC Half-Marathon, a true test of will, strength and drive.

"Running is like a metaphor for life," said one participant, "You have your ups, you have your downs, but when you run you feel good about yourself. You feel healthy."

Healthy and ready from the start. With more than 12,000 runners, this 13-mile marathon was a major milestone. One man who took to the course today said he feels like if he can do this, he can do anything.

It's passion you could see as runners made their way from Central Park, down Seventh Avenue, past Times Square and finally, along 12th Avenue.

Stopping for hydration was a must. It wasn't easy, and the rain didn't help but it was worth it even for those who were watching friends and loved ones.

Slightly after the one hour mark came sweet victory for the first man and the first woman across the finish line. The winner of the race, in his first time ever running competitively in the United States, Thomas Nyariki from Kenya. He finished the race in just over an hour.

Tom Nyariki: "It feels good for me to have come here and when the first ever NYC Half Marathon."

The first female to cross the finish line, Catherine Ndereba from Kenya battled it out with one of Australia's elite runners right up until they ran through the ribbon. Ndereba finished at 1:09:41.

The floodgates opened after that, with thousands of runners collecting their silver medal with a green ribbon. There was one for everyone who panted their way through the finish line, all of them champions.

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