Runners Rock 'n' Roll in the Philadelphia Half Marathon

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - It was a beautiful day for a run in Philadelphia and thousands of runners pounded the pavement along the Parkway for the 14th annual Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia half marathon.

"I feel very excited," exclaimed Angie D'Orazio.

"A great morning. A little humid, but it's good. I feel the energy and I'm glad," said Kim Bandy.

Jim Mandler, of West Chester, said this is his 10th time running the race, but this time is a little different.

"I'm running with my son for the first time, which is very important to me, so it's good," Mandler explained.

The support on the sidelines was great. Lots of cheering, lots of signs - some with political messages - but, overall, a lot of energy among the crowd. Including brothers, Jason and Connor Vankeuren of Downingtown.

"We're watching Dad run," said Jason.
"Has he passed by yet," Fox 29's Jennifer Joyce asked.
"I'm not really sure, actually," Jason replied.

As the runners knocked out their 13.1 miles through Center City, Independence Mall and back up through Fairmount, the crowd migrated to the base of the Art Museum steps where they saw the first place winner cross the finish line at 59:18. He is 22-year-old Shura Kitata of Ethiopia. Runners Cameron Levins of Canada and Raace Edwards of Australia weren't far behind.

"I did about 65:10. I'm pretty happy with that, to be honest," Edwards stated.

"It was really cool to see a lot of Philadelphia. I've been here once before, but this is almost the best way to tour around right. Get a good view of the whole city. I haven't run many half marathons, so fun to do one like this," said Levins.

While the Philly half is known as a fast and flat race, those runners said it was hillier than they expected, which was a bit of a challenge. Congratulations to all of the runners.