Stories of tragedy and triumph from the Philadelphia Marathon
The streets have re-opened and runners are tending to their injuries from yesterday’s Philadelphia Marathon. For some, it’s been a game-changer.
Two runners died yesterday near the marathon’s finish line. A 40-year-old male remains unidentified after collapsing a quarter mile from the finish line, but police have named the 21-year-old who died after finishing the race; Jeffrey Lee of California was a nursing student at UPenn, the Associated Press reports.
The Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend Executive Director Melanie Johnson released a statement yesterday soon after the deaths:
“Philadelphia Marathon and Philadelphia Half Marathon organizers extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the two runners who lost their lives at the Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon today. We are deeply saddened and our thoughts are with their families and friends. We cannot at this time disclose the identities of the runners pending notification of the families. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Our thoughts remain with the runners’ families and friends.”
The marathon had a happier ending for some. Manayunk’s Elizabeth Seeley completed the run in less than 3 hours and 35 minutes, qualifying her for the Boston Marathon. The Philly race was her first since giving birth to her two sons.
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