A sea of 12,000 Spandex-coated bodies flooded the streets of downtown Baltimore for the 2006 Under Armour Baltimore Marathon.
Some talked about their training regimens or attempts at Baltimore?s marathon.
Others shared regret that maybe they overestimated their ability to run 26 miles on a Saturday morning. Matt Pipitone, 23, and his partner for the team relay, Catie Proulx, 23, decided to run as a new experience.
“It?s going to be pretty fun to run around downtown Baltimore and actually run through the city instead of sitting in traffic,” Pipitone said.
When 8 a.m. rolled around, the runners took off at Russell and Camden streets, some taking the lead immediately while others were keeping their own pace for the long journey ahead. Sisters and first-time runners Shannon Harmon and Tracey Murray said they didn?t expect to win.
“We just want to finish,” Harmon said with a laugh and pointed to the motto on her T-shirt: “Suck it up and quit feeling sorry for yourself!”
Harmon said their mother convinced the sisters to run.
“It was Mom?s idea, but then Mom backed out on us,” she said.
During the event, spectators passed the time in the Celebration Village with several refreshment vendors, interactive games, a SportsNet Kids? Fun Zone and 98Rock?s live music stage outside of Camden Yards.
The popular 5K race attracted 1,800 competitors of various ages.
Finishing with most of the adults was 13-year-old Alli Stevens, who traveled from Chambersburg, Pa. While her mom ran the half marathon, Alli sprinted across the 5K finish line.
Instead of boasting her accomplishments, Alli, like most of the runners, had one thing to say: “My legs hurt.”
