MIAMI (WSVN) - Thousands of runners laced up their sneakers and took to the pavement at this year’s Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, Sunday morning.
Officials said about 23,000 runners braved cold, rainy weather to take part in the event, now in its 15th consecutive year.
They began their trek next to the American Airlines Arena. The path took runners from Downtown Miami to Miami Beach, on Interstate 395, then down the iconic Ocean Drive.
Among the runners, walkers and cyclists seen at the marathon was a man who chose to dribble two basketballs throughout the race.
Wet weather and strong winds continued on and off throughout the day, but that didn’t stop participants as they ran through Coconut Grove and Brickell before returning to Downtown Miami to finish the marathon.
7News cameras captured runners dashing through the finish line on Biscayne Boulevard and Flagler Street, near Bayfront Park.
While everyone was greeted with applause, 17-year-old Joseph Volfman stole the show. The teen, who has cerebral palsy, hand-pedaled the entire marathon to raise awareness for children with special needs.
Volfman and several others took home a medal for completing the long distance race.
It took about two hours for the first set of racers to reach the finish line.
Eighty-six of the runners have the title of streakers. They have participated in all 15 of the races.
Streets reopened to traffic at around 1 p.m.
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