Runners grateful to be back at the Twin Cities Marathon

Thousands of people hit the pavement on Sunday morning for the Twin Cities Marathon.

Runners finished an eventful weekend with the big 26.2-mile race. Mohamd Hrezi of Philadelphia won the men’s race in 2:15:22, and Naomi Fulton of Hartland, Wisconsin, finished first in the women’s race with a time of 2:45:57.

After finishing first in Sunday’s companion race, the Twin Cities 10 Mile, Danny Docherty took home his third victory of the weekend, adding to his wins in the 10K and 5K races on Saturday.

After last year’s cancellation because of COVID-19 concerns, participants said it’s great to be back.

“A huge accomplishment. So I’ve been out running for a couple years. It was great to get out here and finish and have my family cheer for me,” Kristi Hughlett, Twin Cities 10 Mile runner, said.

Runners laced up their sneakers and sprinted toward the finish line in St. Paul.

“Tiring, but it was a lot of fun. So many people came out to cheer and hold signs and keep us going when you hit those hills and didn’t think you could,” Callan Gray, KSTP reporter and 10 Mile runner, said.

Marathoners were greeted with some changes to cut down on COVID spread, including staggered start times and extra large start corrals to reduce crowding. Wearing a mask was not required while running, but it was a rule at the start and finish line areas.

Split maps were at every 5K on the course so family and friends could keep up with runners from a distance.

Although some areas were blocked off to encourage distancing, spectators were able to gather around the start and finish line to cheer on runners.

“It was awesome to see everyone run the race and see people come together in Minnesota,” Jack Stawski, Twin Cities marathon spectator, said.

Despite changes, spirits were high and people were excited, hoping for a bigger crowd next year.