Nearly 700 runners gathered early Sunday on City Island to race 13.1 miles to North Front Street in Harrisburg. For many, the UPMC/YMCA half marathon marked the first time they had attended an event since the pandemic.
"We are just so excited that our healthcare workers and science put together a vaccine that can welcome people to events like this," said Rosie Turner of the Harrisburg area YMCA.
The event had to change its route in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, organizers were able to secure permits to a more scenic route along the river and cityscape.
"The YMCA has really taken a focus on our community and how we can help," said Turner who added the YMCA has provided meals and vaccination clinics throughout the past year.
"The YMCA may just be a building in your community but it's actually a movement and events like this today help fund that movement around you," she said.