Pittsburgh Neighborhoods Abuzz On Marathon Day
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Once again Pittsburgh neighborhoods rolled out the red carpet for runners at the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.
In some neighborhoods, marathon parties have become an annual tradition.
As the first of the elite runners passed through the South Side, spectators were waiting to cheer them on.
Gary Evans brought signs to support his friends running somewhere behind.
"They're not with the elite guy, but they're pretty strong in their own right," Evans said.
Some people admit the Pittsburgh Marathon is not the only one on their mind
"Just run for Boston," said Ryan Scully. "Prayers for everybody and stay strong."
The South Side becomes very festive during the marathon, just ask Erin Gruendel.
"It's great that these athletes come out every year to do this," said Gruendel. "The band 'Gone South' is out here jamming early in the morning wakes me up."
Casey McHenry had the luxury of watching her sister and about 28,000 other runners pass by her front door.
"Well it's easier that way," she said. "I can just walk out here and cheer for my sister hopefully she gets under four hours today."
Meanwhile, there was more vocal support at Fifth and Shady avenues. Joan McBurney says she's learning to live with the marathon.
"Well it's OK," she said. "We had to have church yesterday because we can't get there today."
When the race passed through Bloomfield, Logan and Justin Bogacz couldn't wait to see their mother.
"Because I like running and I want to be like my mom," Justin Bogacz said.
"I just love her and she's been a great inspiration to me," said Logan Bogacz.
RELATED LINKS
More Local News
More Marathon News
More Than 27,000 Athletes Participate In Pittsburgh Marathon
