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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Hundreds of runners, from giggling fun-run kids to hardened half marathoners, gathered at the Westchester County Center and ran onto the Bronx River Parkway into the early-morning sunshine Sunday to celebrate Westchester Medical Centers Seventh Annual Running Festival.
This is my first race of any kind, said Shannon Fennell of Yorktown, who ran the quarter-marathon with college roommate Kelly McDermott of Monroe, N.J. I was never a runner, never thought Id be doing this, but its about being healthier and enjoying being out here. If my college friends and professors could see me running they would never believe it.
McDermott was just a step behind her friend.
I run a little, but have a sore knee so Shannon was out ahead of me, McDermott said. Well definitely do this again though. It was a great day to run.
Rye High School senior Tyler Breckenridge, who plays soccer and runs track for the Garnets, was one of several runners decked out in green T-shirts representing with the Tourette Syndrome Association of Hudson Valley.
Im running to support the Tourette Syndrome Association and my buddy Nicholas, who I mentor, the 18-year-old runner said after posting a time of 45.22 minutes in the 6.1 mile run. I have dealt with Tourette Syndrome growing up, so this is one way of raising awareness and helping other kids. Running has always been something I enjoy. Ive done this run three times before and also run for Rye.
More than 1,200 runners, a new record for the event, ran the 13.1-mile half marathon, 6-1-mile quarter marathon, half marathon walk and Kids Fun Run for children 12-and-under. With temperatures just hitting 60 degrees when the race went off, runners enjoyed the cool morning.
The Westchester Medical Center Running Festival also hosted dozens of exhibitors fitness trainers, physical therapists, health food, water and footwear vendors in the parking lot area stretching out from the County Centers front entrance along the Bronx River Parkway, which was closed for the races.
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