YONKERS, N.Y. Brian Wilantowicz is no stranger to long distance running. A physical therapist who has done several half marathons during his running years, the Hartsdale resident looked refreshed and ready for another challenge after conquering the demanding Yonkers Half Marathon Sunday.
Living in Westchester you get used to running hills, said Wilantowicz, who said he usually runs early in the day and has been competing in races for more than six years. This course has some demanding hills, but there are down hills with each hill, so it can be handled. I thought it was a great day -- cool and beautiful for running.
Wilantowicz, who was greeted at the finish line by his wife and daughter, said he has run hilly course in Vermont and will next run in Scranton, Penn. next month.
My daughter just started school, so I run more in the morning now, he said. Its part of overall fitness and can be applied to my work. It keeps you fit and healthy.
The 86th Yonkers Marathon/Half Marathon attracted more than 700 registered runners, more than double last years entries. Race organizers attributed the bump in attendance to the addition of online registration. The race, which is the second oldest marathon in the world next to Bostons, began and ended in downtown Yonkers, traveling as far north as Hastings-on-Hudson. The overall winner of the marathon was South Carolina native Will Guzick, a 22-year-old who recently moved to New York City. Guzick did the 26-plus miles in 3:44.
I did a lot more training for this one because it was my first real full marathon, Guzick said Sunday. And tomorrow is my birthday so I went out with friends last night. I guess I might have done even better if I had gone to bed earlier.
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