SARASOTA – Thousands of runners laced up their sneakers for the Metro Diner Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
The race began early Sunday morning despite the fog. Runners started at the Van Wezel and made their way over the Ringling Bridge and into Saint Armands Circle.
Runners encouraged one another as they were crossing the finish line and received their medal. This year Jeff Howell ran for one important reason.
“My wife and I have done the last three together, and I just wanted to do it again and she was signed up to be here today but couldn’t be here,” says Howell. “She’s battling brain cancer and she’s had a tough time the last couple of weeks and I stayed in the hospital with her last night and today I ran on her behalf.”
After the race runners were treated to live music and nutritious snacks as well as some cold refreshing beer.