2023 Philadelphia Marathon runners took the city by storm
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Top runners from around the world competed in the 30th annual Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday.
People cheered as thousands of runners braved not only the cold but any feelings of doubt or hesitation to participate in the Philadelphia Marathon.
"We really saw the City of Brotherly Love showing up and showing out and people were making sure that we had the motivation that we needed," Caleb-Michael Files said.
The 26.2-mile trek took runners -- some disguised as dinosaurs, Santa's and turkeys— through centuries of history and architecture and scenic views throughout Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River.
Kathleen Titus, the marathon's director, said the first 13 miles of the marathon are her favorite.
"The historic district, where is there you get to go through a city, a historic city, and the streets are completely closed down," she said.
About 35,000 people took part in the marathon races throughout the weekend. Some who put sneakers on the pavement said they're running for a life-saving cause.
READ ALSO: Philadelphia Marathon organizers apologize after hundreds of runners didn't receive a medal
"We're excited to be out here running with thousands and thousands of our best friends through the streets of Philadelphia, but we're sad to know that there are people in Philly and beyond dying of kidney failure," Matt Cavanaugh said.
Cavanaugh and Hilary Baude -- both kidney donors -- promoted kidney donation through their partnership with the Penn Transplant Institute.
"I think people have the belief that once you donate a kidney somehow you're incapacitated, by running these marathons clearly shows it has no impact on your physical ability," Baude said.
Giving back and helping others was a big theme for runners in this year's race.
"I picked up a runner at mile seven. He was about to quit. We made it all the way to the finish together and you know, that's what it's about," Files said.
CBS Philadelphia was told there were some hiccups this year. The race director said for the half marathon, they did eventually run out of medals. However, she said they are working to make sure everyone gets one.
Marathon winners
Bernard Koech, of Kenya, won the men's race with a time of 2 hours, 14 minutes and 26 seconds.
Mercy Kwambai, also of Kenya, won the women's race with a time of 2 hours, 30 minutes and 52 seconds.
