Marathoners Made Their Way Through Manayunk Sunday

Last year, I made my way down the hill to experience . Though I personally loath long distance running (I'm a sprinter whose knees are shot), I have great admiration for those who engage in this sport.  

I had so much fun cheering last year, that year I took my kids down the hill to enjoy the experience as well. They quickly learned how much fun it can be to cheer for people. When we cheer, they are empowered.  

The streets were lined with people looking for friends and family to pass by, and many just out to enjoy the cumulitive energy of the event, and cheer for the runners.  Music blasted to make the street feel like a party. And when the theme from "Rocky" played, a small cheer rippled through the crowd. 

Besides people to cheer, volunteers are essential to an event like this. There are a couple dozen water stations along the 26 mile race route. Each station needs multiple volunteers to pour drinks, and hand cups to the 25,000 runners (yes, 25 thousand), and sweep up the cups as they're tossed along the curb.  

So next year, consider heading to Main Street some time between 9am and 11am to engage in the event, even if no one you know is running it.  Bring a sign to make people smile, or volunteer at a drink table.  As you encourage others to succeed in their "Marathon Feat", you may be empowered to accomplish a feat of your own.