SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Finishing a marathon is one of the most challenging feats an athlete can accomplish, and runners from all over the country did just that Sunday during the Sioux Falls Marathon.
Between the full and half marathons and the 5K, over 2000 runners took part in the event.
“We have runners from 48 out of the 50 states represented here today. The only two that we were missing was Alabama and Wyoming, surprisingly, with Wyoming, but, otherwise, everybody else is represented,” Sioux Falls Sports Authority project director Jerry Palleschi said.
Organizers are also excited to have the full marathon this year after having to cancel it last year due to the heat.
“It was a nice breath of not only fresh air, but a nice relief to have the full go today because it’s all the hard work that led to it. It’s really two years now of build-up for it that when the air horn sounded and everybody went, it was truly special,” Palleschi said.
Each runner has their own story, including David Winstead of Arkansas.
“Wife and I are on a mission to run all 50 states, running a half in all 50 states, and we are currently six away from completing our goal. She said, ‘Do you want to run Sioux Falls?’ And I said, ‘Sure,’ so we ended up here,” Winstead said.
It’s been quite the journey for the Winsteads.
“You see sights that you never see if you just stay in your hometown. You need to get out and see things. Just like here in Sioux Falls, I never dreamed this is what Sioux Falls was like,” Winstead said.
David also has some advice for anyone who wants to give running a try.
“Folks, anybody can run. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other,” Winstead said.
Just one step at a time from start to finish.
There were also international runners from Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico who participated Sunday.
