800 runners hit the pavement for the Presque Isle half marathon on Sunday.


David Comi, the President for the Erie Runners Club and the Director of the half marathon said, "We have people from all over the U.S. and Canada here today, I welcome them with open arms."


Although the turnout was down since the pandemic began, runners were thrilled to be back doing their favorite hobby.
Michael Williamson, one of racers said, "It's a good feeling to see the Erie running community come out. That's something that's a big passion of mine, just to see running grow in the area, so it's nice to the half and full here each July and September have such a good turn out."


Williamson has completed seven marathons and been running half marathons for the past ten years. He has some advice for those looking to take up the hobby.
"Take it easy, if you feel good later in the race pick it up a little bit, just start out conservative, and just have fun", said Williamson.


Official said one of the main reasons they chose Presque Isle State Park to hold the half marathon for all these years is because the entire park itself is 13.1 miles, the same distance as a half marathon.


"You have such a view of so many different things, you see life starting and finishing with the geese, you have turtles, you have eagles, you have all kinds of wildlife and a 13.1 mile path all the way around", said Comi.


Williamson said after racing for years, there's no better feeling than crossing the finish line, "It's a good feeling to finish the race it and run it how you want to place wise, timewise, so it's a pretty nice sense of accomplishment."


The Presque Isle marathon is set for September and officials said they already have 1,000 people signed up to race.