SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -
Over 17,000
runners took off for Savannah's second Rock N' Roll marathon and half marathon
on Saturday.
Misty Brower
and Carolyn Sadowsky travelled from out of state to cheer for their husbands
running in the marathon.
"All
these people have trained hard to be here it's a big accomplishment for them
for a lot of people it's a milestone in their life."
Several
downtown streets shut down as runners make the 26.2 mile run from the start
line at Bay and Bull Streets to the finish line at Forsyth Park as thousands of
supporters line the streets cheering them on.
"It's
just a good environment to be in lots of energy out here and it makes me want
to come out next year and run it again myself," said Peggy Klinecki.
These
runners have spent months training for this one day. The marathon attracted
runners from all over for the city's second largest tourism event this year.
Alderman Van
Johnson said "With 17,000 visitors from all over the world come stay in
our town, stay in our hotels, eat our food, visit our neighborhoods it's a
great economic boost for our community."
For runner David
Rivera, this marathon has special meaning.
"Celebrating
such a wonderful man good friend it was a great day," he said.
Rivera's
running in memory of, Captain Matthew Freeman, a marine pilot who was killed in
Afghanistan.
"Whenever
you feel like you don't want to get up for those 5 am runs you think about the
sacrifice our men and women in uniform sacrifice everyday with their life for
us."
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