Runners Gear Up For The Philadelphia Marathon

By Marcy Norton

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Runners registered for Sunday's 22nd annual Gore-Tex Philadelphia Marathon gathered at the Philadelphia Convention Center to pick up their bibs and gear for the big event.

Some were already bouncing with anticipation like Megan Trout, who would like to improve her performance from last year.

"Get better times, and finish. Finishing is always the number one goal," said Trout.

Everyone has their own reason for running, but for some, it's just because they can. Paul Shekal came all the way from Providence, Rhode Island. This is his 19th marathon and his first in Philadelphia.

"I hear great things about the race, I hear great things about the spectators, so I'm looking forward to that, and I heard the weather's supposed to be nice, so should be cool."

Sixty-four-year-old Chip Bearden of North Jersey has run 40 marathons. This will be his 19th in Philadelphia.

"It's just a really well managed race with a small town feel, but it's a big city race. The course is pretty fast, the weather's always perfect."

And what does he say to people who might like to try it but aren't sure they could do it?

"If you want to, you probably can."