>> and we are underway the 13th annual baltimore running festival. the wheel comparechair competitors out of the gates. a perfect day forerunners and competitors. a day we hope the weather holds. it was a vicious rainstorm early this morning. it has cleared the way for cool crisp fall weather in baltimore. doesn't get much better than this as 6500 competitors are lined up for the start line. 5,000 in the marathon and 14, 1500 who will take part in the first leg of the relay. it's a perfect day for running. this has become quite the festival to say the least. there's a new look to it there's

no longer a title sponsor now this is truly a baltimore event. we can hear the horng sounding. we are underway as they break for the start line of the baltimore running festival. 27000 competitors will work the course today. some running the full marathon, some the half. some a quarter of it as a member of a relay team. there's the kid's fun run as well. something for everyone in baltimore today. >> in the last ten years i believe a kenyan has won the men's side of this marathon. nine out of 10 years. >> 10 of the last 12. this year it could be a guy from baltimore. he's wearing number one. his name is dave berdan. he is a science teacher. he coaches the varsity cross country team. >> for the first time in more than a decade it could be a baltimorean who wins the baltimore marathon. for the first time it is the

baltimore favorite. no title sponsor this year. last year 100,000 dollars in had prize money attracted elite runners from around the world. now this is truly a long love of sport event. people who run and they run -- it's truly a solitaire resport. running is something you can only do by yourself. today you do it by yourself with the company of 27,000 others. this is the baltimore running festival, there are runners from all 50 states and countries but it doesn't attract the elite runners any more. >> before the title sponsor pull out and took the purse with it baltimore has the 9th largest purse in the country in terms of marathons. the ninth most prize money. we thought over the years as the purse grew it was one of the world class events in terms of marathoning the hope is this

will be a title sponsor back next year. you ask anybody in the back of the pass they didn't pick this race based on which elite runner might win it. they picked it probably for its proximity for where they live for the course. the people who come out and spectate to them. it is cool when you can run in the foot steps of some of the best runners in the world. this is one of the very few sports where you compete on the same playing field as the best in the sport. you laugh at me when i compare it to golf. but it's the same reason why running a marathon is a cool thing. >> to use your analogy it would be like a four-some in pa tournament where tiger woods had the tee off. >> how do i measure up? is how do i compare to him. it's the great things about marathons all different levels

and different types of people. you are running the same distance on the same ill hads if there are puddles you will step in the same puddles with them. it makes it a community. >> a community event. this has grown even without a title sponsor 27,000 today same number as a year ago. there was enough in the way of applicationss to expand the field today. but because the race organizers wanted to make sure everything goes smoothly they wanted to hold the number at 27,000 this year. i point that out even without a title sponsor even without the elite runners the popularity of this as far as local runners and even runners from around the country continues to expand despite the course. i say despite the course because kate as a runner you know this is a brutally difficult course. it is hill lee at the beginning hill lee from mile 15 to about mile 20. no chance to see a world record

elite runners or not because of the demands of the actual course. >> one more point to bring that home dave berdan after this race plans to try to get on the u.s. olympic team. 2:18 is qualifying. he says i am absolutely never going to try to do that on the baltimore marathon. too hard too many hills. >> 2:15 is usually the target time for elite runners. for dave berdan for him to finish in that time would be an astounding feat. you never know what will happen. we have seen surprises. we have seen a finish last year at the women's race that was stride for stride at the very end. i expect we will see surprises as the early leaders try to separate from the pack. the first leg going uphill for three miles. the course not going through the sgla because of construction at the zoo. it will go around the zoo area instead of through the zoo.

let's take a look at the exact course. it goes from pratt to paca. it goes down through the business district into federal hill inner harbor patterson park around lake monticello and flat tens out as it comes from the stadium where it used to stand and coming back down mile 26. perhaps the most scenic as you go through the park of babe ruth and in to m & t bank stadium. if you see babe ruth you are happy. >> not only is it scenic it is down hill downhill. i have finished a marathon where

you have to go uphill. you think you are going a little faster you get a push from the downhill you get to run through camden yards. >> if you have a qualifying time this is still a qualifying race for the boston marathon. if you finish in a qualifying time you qualify to run in the boston marathon. this year the boston marathon has brought us a special starter ericaka brannock the last victim of the boston marathon bombing was the official race starter today. we will visit with her a little later on as we take a look at our first early leader. it is not dave berdan who was the favorite. that doesn't mean by any stretch of the imagination he is the guy who will finish. if it is a baltimorean it will be the first time in history that a baltimorean has won this race. an american has never won this race. it has been 10 of the last 12 kenyans. we have had an ethiopian on the

women's side. we have had winners from russia and the ukraine. never had an american win the baltimore marathon. >> let's go through the reporters who are going to be helping us broadcast this event today. we have we have deborah weiner at the celebration tent. you have two beers. >> i hope you have a beer after. >> carrie cavanaugh is live at the relay exchange point. you can see the full marathon go by and you can see the half marathon start. we have jen franciotti at mile 16 patterson park. it is the merge mile. and the events today, jerry, there are five of them. >> we said there's something for everybody. everybody has a different appetite for distance. the marathon just underway.

it is 5,000 in that race. the 5 k. we it will get underway in 15 minutes 3.1 miles. then the other event that will unfold through out the day along with the marathon and the 5 k. the kid's fun run one of the more entertaining 385 yard runs you will ever see. the half marathon the largest number of competitors 13,000 taking part in that. gets underway in about an hour and 45 minutes from now as the 5th and final part of today's running festival will be the relay teams that 1400 teams with 4 members each, woulding their way through the streets of baltimore 22.6 miles each taking up about a quarter of that. the 5 k we mentioned is 3.1 miles. as we talk about the 5-k we have special xoetcompetitors who joineds now. >> we have mom and dad john and

their kids who is deployed overseas. he ran a shadow race. can't say where he is. he will be the first official finisher in baltimore. he did it in 110.9. >> he is running a lot. he is doing great. >> sara and matt if you turn and they are wearing special signs. it says i miss my dad. has his picture on there. tell me how proud are you of your dad? >> a lot. >> how about you, sara? >> a lot. >> they are all running the 5 k together. i know you have run the fun run but how do you feel about running the 3.1 mile. she is stoic. how but, matt are you ready? >> yes. >> i know this is much more than fitness and athletics you have raised a lot of money for something important to your family. >> we run for a charity which

raises money for john hopkins children's center. sara inhad 9 surgeries before she turned 5. went back to john hopkins this he did so much. the doctors there are painful god healed her. she has been pain-free and surgery free for years. >> isn't that what the soul of this event has become, something that keeps families together and friends together. several people running for a cause today. congratulations on being here today. congratulations on your husband's start. i have a good feeling about your run today. >> starting soon. better do some stretches. >> the 5 k will be underway as we are underway. 13th annual running festival a day that brings runners together from all over the area. they will cover all of baltimore. we will watch this race this day

this competition unfold live on tv 11. and when you get up -- can i play? no! you don't even get football. [ male announcer ] when you've got 100% fiber optic fios you get it. america's fastest most reliable internet. it's the ultimate for downloading streaming, and chatting. -- that guy all over the football field. thanks, joe. if the running backs don't start picking up the blitz, the quarterback is going to have a long night. is that your sister? look, are you trying to take my job? maybe. technology that lets you play with the big boys. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities that's powerful. at 800-974-6006 tty/v.

>> welcome back to our coverage of the 2013 baltimore running festival. this is the leader cam. this is the guy who is leading the race right now. important to keep in mind the full marathoners started with the team relay. there were 1400 relay teams. when we check on this big number and they turn out he is with the falls road running relay team which is favored to win the relay portion of this race. running in a marathon is as much about running it as the people who are standing along the course and cheering you on and carrying you over that finish line. it all ends at a place called the celebration village. we have sent deborah weiner to celebration village to check it out. they say there is something deborah for every type of spectator in every type of runner. i can't wait to hear what they mean by that.

>> let me selltell you something. right now they look like a lonely individual. when it race begins to end it look like where is waldo or where is wiener if you will. the it's a highway for the runners here. they are headed for the start the young ones the little ones and older ones. we have found brett hollander who was kind enough to stay with us. you are participating in the ra relay. >> we will take the bus over. it is fy 59 time doing the final leg of the relay. it is the most fun you are with all of the runners who are doing all of the other events. it is the longest leg. 7.1 miles. i will be doing the longest leg on the team. >> i know you didn't sleep well. good luck to you. >> i need it i think. >> one of my favorite things so far is individual named ryan running in the same portion of the relay. you didn't sleep well either? >> i did not. fell asleep about 2:30, 3:00.

>> this is how you are going to find your folks in the relay. >> unlike brett, when we are approaching our change points you are going to look for a photo of yourself that's where you know to pass off the arm band so it will be easy to find each other. >> you are getting the race from this individual. >> i will be hold charlie above my head. i will pass my face off to charlie and they will be waiting for me at the finish line. >> we produce all kinds of signs graphics the whole nine yards. >> you have pulled it all together in the great marketing moment. >> so many wonderful stories 27,000 of them. we will have more live coverage when we come back.

>> welcome back to our coverage of the baltimore running festival. this is the start of the shop right supermarket 5k. it is an event that has sold out again this year. 4200 runners in this race. kids from five-years old to 85. organizers consider this the gateway race. they tell us that 83 percent of the people who compete in the 5k in the baltimore running festival will come back and participate in another event in the baltimore running festival the next year. so the thought is you get them hooked on this and then they keep coming back maybe next

year they do the relay maybe next year the half and the next year the full. the 5k starts at the intersection of camden and pratt. glorious finish at the camden yards. mini version of what it feels like to start and finish the full baltimore marathon the full 22.6 22.6 miles. every 5k finisher gets a medal for the first time in this history. here's a look at the leader cam. this is lake month bello. this is mile three. it is a full marathoner we are speculating if perhaps it was a team relay. it is a full marathoner. this is mile 3. as we had mentioned no purse means no elite runners. so we don't know who this is yet. we are checking his bib number. we are also looking for bib

number 1 dave burrerdan. at mile 9 you can see the full marathon go through. it is also a relay point, a relay exchange point. if you are there, you can watch the electrifying start of the half marathon. you can watch the runners line up, they take off in waves. i think it has to be the best place to spec kate. heavy we have carry cavanaugh standing underat nile 9. it always seems like the most energized place in the city. >> we have seen a lot of runners walking through earlier today getting to their starting points. we just saw a complete of tow trucks towing any last minute violate others out of the way. there are a couple spectators running outside. there are 1100 relay teams

taking part today. most composed of friends family members who knew each other. not all of them. joining us is chris to tell us about a special team called treasure's chest. tell us how did you get together with your teammates to run this relay? >> the race personnel and corrigan sports this going breast cancer awareness month. they want the to get a team of women together who were breast cancer survivors try to take the next step in healing and moving on with their lives. i saw a posting on facebook actually. right away i signed up. i was like i can do a relay. can't do 26 miles but i can do 6 miles. it is interesting to meet other women who have gone through something similar i have gone through. it is four strangers and we all came together. we got together a few weeks ago shared our story got to know each other took a walk around centennial park. we are out here sporting each other now. >> it is wonderful to see

because we are in breast cancer awareness month. you are four years along enduring cancer. tell us about your story? >> i was doing a self breast exam randomly in the shower. i went to a doctor he told me not to worry about it. i was 26 years old. in my mind i am thinking this is nothing. then i moved to baltimore and went to johns hopkins went in for what i thought was a consultation for a cyst i was there for six-hours and two biopsies mri mammogram later. i got the call the next day that i had breast cancer. i opted for a double prophylactic mast tech comeectomymastectomy. after consulting with friends from the medical field. you may not be able to breast-feed your kids but you will be able to be alive for them in the long run. four years out feeling good. one more year of medicine and i am home free. >> congratulations. you look wonderful.

obviously you are in excellent health. what will it mean to get your medal and gather in celebration village? >> we were talking and i am never one to shy away from a challenge. i like to try new things and say that i did it. for something like this i hate to run. i truly did. >> you are in the wrong place. >> it's not anything i like to do, but i wanted to get over that and get past that. to be with these other women to know that cancer does not define us. we are survivors. we are alive. this is our proof that we are here if we can beat cancer we can pretty much do about anything. >> okay. well thank you so much. best of luck to you and your team today. you look fabulous and you are such a great example i think for everybody. self awareness, self exam. >> self exams and the importance of early de tection. i found it early i knew my body i knew what to look for. early de dextection is important. >> she is unaring the third leg of the relay later on today.

we will send it back to you, kate. >> thank you. the she is one of the 27,000 people running one of the events today. there's a race for every person at every fitness level. we saw old runners young runner. i think one of them was about 2 and a half. we see pregnant runners blained runners every person who entered one of these events today has a story. one of those people is jennifer lovett. five years ago she didn't exercise and let alone run. she was 160 pounds over weight. today she is one of the baltimore running festival's biggest cheerleaders. >> 29-year-old jennifer lovett went out to lunch one day and turned into a runner. >> that's when the running bug bit me. >> it was 2009 she was meeting her mom and sister for lunch in federal hill on the same day as the marathon which meant she had to park far away and run along

side -- walk along side of the runners. >> they were having fun. people they were happy and people were cheering for them. they were normal looking people people like you and me who weren't elite runners they were regular people out there trying to get physical fitness and have fun. >> that day she decided she would run day two. even though she had never run before and there was another rink wrinkle. she was halfway to her goal of losing 160 pounds. she would run off the rest. >> my asthma would kick in and i would keel over. >> 7 months later she finished her first race the 5k. she signed up for the baltimore half marathon. >> it was one of the best days of my life. >> when it was time to tackle her first full marathon she knew it had to be baltimore. >> being a resident of baltimore

city this race is for me. people say that's a hill lee race. i said i don't care. i will take 10 hours. >> she went from size 28 to size 8. she became a lifelong runner. this year she recruited three women for the relay team. and took the toughest leg. running baltimore can change your life. >> yes, it can. running baltimore today may just change the life of a science teacher from the garrison forest stool named dave berdan. bid number one if you are at home watching and you live along the race course dave burdan is the reason why we want you to get up from your television go out the groont door and cheer for this teacher. he may be the first marylander the first person to win this

26.2 mile foot race. he is very humble. when asked what his goal was, to win do i found like i am boasting? we know he could be the one to win today. he has the fastest time of any maryland finisher ever 22. -- 2.21.19. two years ago when he did that you all came outside and cheered for him. people were yelling, go teach, go teach. we will take a break as we watch dave berdan take the lead in this race. when we come back we will talk to erika brannock as we start the bal

>> welcome back to our coverage of the 2013 baltimore marathon. this should give you a thrill. this is baltimore teacher dave berdan he is number one wiping the sweat from his face. he is leading this race. he very well could win it. he holds the course record for any one finishing this marathon in maryland. his personal record is 20 minutes better than his next closest competitor who is in race. we go from a science teacher from the garrison school to a preschool teacher who has captivated the hearts and minds i would say of the stated of the country. erika brannock.

i am so proud of you. you started this race? >> thank you. that was so cool. to be up there and the energy is so electrifying out there. it is totally different than being down like in the race and everything. you can see everyone's face. i got to see one of the parents that -- whose kids go to the school. that was really cool to be able to do that too. >> this was a big deal for ericka. erika brannock was last boston marathon survivor to leave the hospital. when it was announced you were starting this race you said it was important for you because you could prove to yourself that you could face the things that scare you. >> i wasn't going to stop living because something was uncomfortable or something was scary. >> has this been strange to you to all of the sudden be able to spotlight on you? >> it hadz but at the same time

everyone has been so accommodating and respectful of the things i want to put on tv and the things i want to keep private. it has been so nice and it makes me want to share the journey with everyone. >> you embody what the spirit of they're monday and marathon community means. ericka said runners know more than any one else the importance of sport and encouragement. you were at the boston marathon to cheer on your mother. i think that you are a great example of how this is a race and a sport that really involves everyone. the runners need the support and encouragement from the side lines. >> i have been there for my mom's races and a couple of my sister's races. she has done triathlons before you want to be there to show how much you appreciate it. wake up at 5:00 in the morning

to go for a run when it is dark out when most would much rather be sleeping. >> ericka will be holding the tape at the finish line for the winner to cross to brace the tape. what if it were dave berdan? what would it be like holding the tape for the teacher? >> i think it would be a huge honor to be able to do to for him from one teacher to another to be able to tell them i appreciate everything that he does and then on top of it train for a marathon. put everything into it. >> he has recruited his own cheering section. cross country students are running relays here. >> i saw one of the parents and kids last year. they said thank you so much for what you said it's an honor to be started off by you.

it was nice to wave him off and wish him luck before he went. >> on a personal note i have to say i hate to be cliche in saying inspiring but you are truly leading by example. came back to a race a sport that was scary for you. and you are showing your kids how to do that. >> what have you talked to them what have you told them? what do you say when you talk about what you have been doing. >> i think more that i lead guy example to them. i am at work i am not going to let me to i what i love. if they see that i will go and do something that is scary and be on tv and be a part of this

it would make them more uncomfortable. >> was it last weekend? >> yes. it was last week end. i was more happy about the helicopter. >> you told us one of your goals is to compete in a race? >> yes. >> the middle of november there's a race called the thunder road in charlotte where my mom is running the half marathon, and then my brother in law and i are planning on doing the 5k together where he pushes me and hopefully cross the finish line walking. >> thank you for talking with us. hopefully you will be holding the tape for dave berdan this morning. >> we are going to jennifer franciotti the mile 16 the merge where the half marathon and full marathon come together. >> tell you what. things are going to get rocking and rolling here in just about an hour. we are at mile 16 and what i am

told is that the runners for the full marathon are going to come up over that hill. they are going to come straight forward and then when the half marathoners get here this is where it all conversions. they are going to come from eastern avenue and make that left turn. so as we go ahead and take a look right over here you see those metal gates right there. the full marathoners on the side of the gate. then eventually they are all going to merge together. those gates will run out at a certain point. we have a lot of folks north of me less than a quarter mile at the water station put on by friends at patterson park. behind me we have 11 bands. they are pretty much an 80s cover band. they play 90s music and some music today. they are doing practice runs. they were just a few minutes ago. they are very good. that will be fun to listen to.

m & t bank is here. they have kettle bells to fire up the crowd. good morning. >> m & t bank is so happy and proud to be here today. it is our r 5th year of the baltimore festival. ringing the cow bell having fun with the band handing out all kinds of things that will keep the energy up. it is our mission to make sure everybody is energized excited and we give those runners a little extra boost to get to the finish line. >> this is an important spot along the route because it is mile 16. half marathoners are three miles in. you want to give them a boost. >> absolutely. everything you are here for today is to make sure people are excited they are energized. we think it's important to be engaged in the community.

this is one way we are here keeping people excited and supporting our city. >> it is going to be a lot of fun. as the bands are playing more and more of the community members are going to come out. you are going to draw them out so everybody can cheer on the runter runners. >> thank you, jen, mile 16 from there. it is all uphill. get to make xhont well low. this is dave berdan. the winners have been from ethiopia, russia, the ukraine. this year it could be a guy from baltimore. we will be back with our coverage.

>> baltimore belongs to the runners this saturday. football on sunday. every day's weekend war another can have the run of the city today as the 13th annual baltimore running festival is led by track coach dave berdan. today he leads the first half

again. he has the first chance to become the first baltimorean to win in the baltimore marathon. dave berdan running a nice pace. at mile number 7 he is running all by himself. he has no competition whatsoever. the bikers keep him company. they are the guys who run out with the lead runners. right now the lead runner is dave berdan. he is the guy who trains by himself in a solitaire resport. it is a good thing. he has no company. in recent years we have seen packs of runners. the elite runners try to run in groups. they make sure they have a pace setter. today it is all dave berdan. he has no company as he walks the streets of baltimore. 22.6 miles. he has run a personal best of 2 hours and 20 minutes and change. he would love to turn in a personal best and become the first baltimorean ever to win the baltimore marathon.

the largest group of runners taking part in the running festival are the half marathoners. we are joined by one of those now. it is great to be with you today. >> it is great to be with you. baltimoreans know about your family and what you accomplished in the water. you like to run the streets. you are going to run in the half marathon today. tell us about your motivation as a competitor. because if memory serves me you were the first real competitor in the family, right? >> i was, correct. i swam four years swam from the time i was 7 years old. running is a new challenge. our family has always been into swimming. my sister and i are both running the half marathon today. running is starting a whole new set. the entire nation got to know yaur family. i would be in beijing.

now you are running wouldn'tith your sister. is it a ketcompetitive thing with your sister? >> there are times when i am faster or i amshe is laster. now we are doing it for fun. she is a little faster for me now. we support everything that each other does. whether it's to be here to cheer everybody on or sending a quick text message to say rock it. >> can you text and run? >> run and text and everything else, that's way too much. as a swimmer underyou understand the need. what was your process to go from working into the running world to being able to compete 13.1 miles? >> came out of college took a couple years off i was really burned out. 15 years of swimming every day christmas morning. when i came out i ran this half

4 year ago it was the first competition since college. now i am bach to do running. i love the mental clarity i get when impounding the streets in pg the morning venth it's a great break from day-to-day prechs. >> running is such a solitaire resport. you get up early stay up late. whatever the case might be. today is the one day you get to share the experience. 13,000 running in the half marathon. how much of a boost is that? we talk about the crowd carrying you. is that real? >> absolutely. it is phenomenal. everybody comes out. baltimore is such a great stay city. there's so much pride in this city. great job. it really helps when you are down and maybe having a tough mile, it really helps to have

the other runners give you that kind of boost. you are looking good. oh, i am not looking good. smiling is always great. smiling makes you kind of like go. when you are feeling bumpy or feeling tired toward the end of the race and say smile. i am going to push on through. it helps others to see you smiling. at least you are having fun. >> all of these people turning out makes a big difference. before you know is>> i think the hills are a great challenge. you take smaller steps up the hill keep your head high look to the top and let it pull you occupy the hill. opening up the hips can help that acceleration to get you going on into the next one.

>> good luck. thank you for visiting with us. if you would like to take a sneak peek we are going to try to find dave berdan. that is the challenge when you are the best in the field going in trying to make sure you are the best in the field coming out. it is all about dave or dan early. this is the baltimore festival with the baltimoreans setting the pace 47 minutes in to the baltimore marathon.

>> we have our first winner as january blake re17-year-old from columbia winning in the women's 5k race. luke 31-year-old is the men's champion in the 5k as you watch the rest of the 5k field start to come across the finish line. smiles at the start. already start to see a couple grimaces in the crowd as they were sprinting very fast. the man who set the facepace in the marathon remains dave berdan. he was the story in 2011 when he took the elite runners by surprise and set the pace for the first half. he had the lead for the first half. was unable to maintain that against the field of elite runners and finished 10th that year. the best finish ever for a

baltimorean. they are competing to win not competing for money not competing for any national attention. they are winning to be the champion of their running festival he is the guy who has the advantage as he saw 2011 having the lead of the first half hour. he will try to accomplish that when he gets to the end of the race. he will be able to see what has turned out to be quite a showing in the celebration village. that's where all of the family members are on there with the runners today. that includes the takelmyer family. they celebrate in the village. >> this is what is great about celebration village. i happened to find -- we did not plan this tomorrow. >> i can't miss you in your booth. > the rain looks good right

now. i was getting a little depressed yesterday. who would want to be out there in that kind of stuff. >> good running weather but you say it feels a little muggy, too. >> they say it feels good to them. >> the family that runs together runs really hard together. this is lori. and the twins andrew and michael. and let me tell you something, you are all running the half marathon. >> three of us are. lori michael and me. andrew will be drinking beer. >> cheering. >> yes, cheering. he will be cheering very hard. >> we expect him to be at the finish line cheering us on. i am sure michael will be the first to go. >> i think youth will beat out this time. we will see. >> terrific running together. >> we are looking forward to it. >> 39.3 miles between us. >> a marathon and a half. >> yes, so there you go. >> that's about the extent of my matt.

-- my math. >> may the best win. >> exactly. >> this is what i love about this. you never know who you are going to find. remind you, folks, there were two little boys here cheering on daddy. i was going to bring them on but they were a little scared of me. i am not scary, but i was at that second. we will be back later with more from celebration village. back to you guys. >> all righty. thank you very much. no, deborah, you are not scary. don't take it personally. everybody loves deb and everybody loves the celebration village. we are already seeing a family theme emerging in thisser yao he is a running festival. she was running the half marathon with her sister today. so many people running with family members or for family members. but there is only one leader at the moment. it remains a baltimorean dave berdan who hopes to be at celebration village first. he is in mile number 8. he continues to lead the

baltimore marathon only a portion of the overall picture today. 5 different events. the first already finished the 5k. dave berdan down mile 8 hopefully to hold that lead and become the first local guy ever to win the baltimore marathon. [ female announcer ] everyone has a moment when they say "it's real now." ♪ ♪ [ man ] when you held him in your arms and gave him your father's name. [ man #2 ] when you traded the best job you ever had. for the only job you ever wanted. [ female announcer ] when it's time to make a better tomorrow -- more than 19 million people count on us. when did it become

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>> are leader of the baltimore marathon as he works his way, he continues to set a pace, a pace in which he has had no company during the early going of this race. no one else out front. we may have a baltimorian win the baltimore marathon. 10 of the past 12 years, kenyans have won it.

elite runners have come to this event in baltimore because it had monetary motivation. this year, no money purse. it is running for pride. we have reporters all around the racecourse. dave verdana is making his way past the maryland science center. you had a chance to watch the leader as he goes by. you are one of the relay exchange points. >> that's right. we have a large cheering section for dan. they have signs for him. some of you actually run with him. what is it like to run with somebody who is leading the entire baltimore marathon? >> it's great, because he pushes us hard and helps us become better runners. >> had you all been running with

him? >> he's definitely further than us, but he's supportive no matter what. >> we know what kind of a runner he is. what kind of person is he? >> he's a great person. he will support you no matter what. >> what did he tell you in terms of your own goals out on the track? >> it tries to push us and get us to go as fast as we can, but he's mindful of our health. >> what is the plan when he comes by? >> scream. >> does he know that you are here? >> yes. >> we have a teacher in the back, if you can come closer. you are helping the girls figure out logistics. you already saw him once today. >> it was exciting to see him in the lead.

>> what is your plan after this point? >> we have four relay teams of students. >> wonderful. we have some of the wheelchair racers who have been coming by. let me ask the relay team members, does it give you more inspiration knowing that your track coaches during the whole thing today? >> definitely. he's really humble all the way through. >> good luck. those of you who are running good luck to you. we do expect mr. berdan to come by shortly. >> thank you very much. what a nice surprise that will be for our leader when he sees some of his pupils cheering him

on. you heard about how much those smiles and cheers rain -- mean to the runners. dan berdan out in front of the baltimore marathon. [ female announcer ] at royal caribbean, our ships are designed for wow. ♪ oh, oh ♪ ♪ sometimes, i get a good feeling ♪ ♪ yeah ♪ ♪ get a feeling that i never never, never, never had before ♪ ♪ no, no i get

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[captioning made possible by constellation energy group] captioned by the national captioning institute --www.ncicap.org-- >> dan berdan working his way towards mild 12.

-- mile number 12. dan berdan even catching up to the relay team. as the garrison forest track coach continues to run, the baltimore marathon with all the competitors, including the handcranked division of the wheelchair race. dan berdan is the guy who sets the pace in the marathon portion of today's baltimore running festival. more live coverage as we continue on

>> the weather has cooperated with all the competitors. the 5k continuing to filter in past the finish line. mixed smiles in with some grimaces. everyone try to enjoy what has turned out to be a perfect day for running in the 13th annual baltimore running festival. this is our leader, dan berdan a guy who established himself as the leader early on, and he continues to set the pace. you know you are doing well when you go past some of the relay runners. that is the only company he has

had since the first couple of miles in this race. groups of runners keeping each other company. dan berdan is the only pacesetter. people are looking for photo ops along this course. if dan berdan is going to get a photo op case, it's got to be stealthy. >> can you imagine being the four to five-year-old kid and your dad is leading an marathon for this long and in this way? >> a special day for the berdan family. the second half of the marathon turns out as positively as the first half. that winner is with us here in the celebration village. -- deb wiener is with us here in the celebration village.

anna marie will have the start of the half marathon around mile 13. kerry cavanaugh is that the science center. -- at the science center. kerry, we are coming your way now. >> we were trying to pin down dan berdan's location. we have a lot of people out here, waiting to see this baltimore in -- balitimorean who is leading the pack. it's a mix of people who are out here to cheer. we had to run. -- there are people who are here to run. >> thank you for having us here. it is a beautiful morning. >> let's get a wider shot so we can see. >> i have my 22 -- tutu.

>> we are combing the crowd trying to see the leaders right now. >> it is so exciting. we're seeing a lot of people here doing exercise. it's great to see the amount of people and the energy and the excitement, and runners going by and how fast they are. this is exciting. thank you for asking us. >> of course. we have got runners passing by in the background. you are starting at leg three of the relay. what is your plan? >> i'm going to run leg three and pass off my baton to my fourth teammate. i'm going to keep running the fourth leg so i can finish in camden yard.

are there any -- >> are there any plans to go to a full marathon next year? >> i hope so. >> the leaders are coming now. her you go. -- here you go. number one, passing by. you can see his own personal cheering section straight up ahead. what a wonderful feeling, to run through the streets of your hometown and have people coming and turning up for you today. as you heard, for that science teacher, his fans are going to be leapfrogging all over the course so they are going to try to keep them going. >> kerry, thanks a lot here.

we are at mile 16. immigrant to get some action really soon. -- we're going to get some action really soon. this is the 80's, 90's and today's band that will be getting everyone excited. >> we are operating from baltimore. we have been around for five years. we try to make people dance. >> how excited are you to be here at this mile marker? >> most of us are from this area, so it's fun for us. we love it. >> you never played a marathon before? >> no. >> were going to take the camera off of you. we have another hand pedal are coming through. -- hand-pedaler coming through.

this is something for you can get when you come out here. -- free you can get when you come out here. anybody here ever run a marathon before? >> overtime. -- all the time. [laughter] >> if you can't run a marathon, be in a band or at least be here to cheer them on. hopefully we will get our first runner through. we're going to keep an eye out for dan. right now, back to kate and gerry. >> the science teacher continues to set the pace in the marathon. berdan is running past the harbor right now, where the half marathon will take part. that is the largest portion of

the baltimore running festival. 13,000 runners will be taking part. it joins the rest of the marathon field at mile 16, then follows the rest of the course around lake montebello. 13.1 miles in the half marathon and that is going to start at 9:45. the runners start this in waves. >> absolutely. that's an incredible amount of people who will be participating. i not only get to see the full marathon, but the front runners

for the marathon passing by as well. two people who will be participating in the half marathon, this is an inspiring story. bob and craig, you're a father and son team. you have run how many marathons together? >> i have run 42 of them, and most of them with craig. >> you have a special honor. you are the oldest participant in the entire baltimore running festival. how does that feel? >> 87. >> not shy about that at all. [laughter] >> i feel very fortunate to be able to run this long. he could not do it without the support of my family. -- i could not do it without the support of my family. i have a son, we go biking. my wife enjoys exercise.

where we live, we have an excellent health club there. great support. i feel very fortunate just to be able to do it. >> are your friends at proquest -- friends watching? >> hi! >> what is it like to run with your dad? >> he's an incredible inspiration to me. >> you're never too old to try. >> my dad is always in there doing a great job. >> how old are you? >> 58. dad and i have been running for 30 years together. it's a lot of training. when you train for marathons you train for about 20 miles. >> i been running for 45 years.

>> every single mile, you have a log somewhere? >> 53,000. >> what's the secret to running to the age of 87? >> it's the support you receive, to be honest. and i enjoy it. to some people, exercises work. -- exercise is work. to me, it is fun. >> you cannot enjoy a marathon unless you train for it fully. >> you guys are half an hour away from starting. >> i'm just waving to my wife. >> good luck to everyone who will be competing. you guys are an inspiration. we're getting ready for the beginning of the half marathon start.

we are lights prickles at this point. -- light sprinkles at this point. >> a couple of themes emerging in this 13th annual running festival. the biggest theme is family. the tasselmyers are running together, and so are many families. >> bob crowley is one of those people. you meet him, you want to get off the couch and do it. >> 87 and still working the streets of baltimore. dan berdan continues to set the pace, working towards mile 14. julia roman duvall is at mile 11 for the women.

and when you get up -- can i play? no! you don't even get football. [ male announcer ] when you've got 100% fiber optic fios you get it. america's fastest most reliable internet. it's the ultimate for downloading streaming, and chatting. -- that guy all over the football field. thanks, joe. if the running backs don't start picking up the blitz, the quarterback is going to have a long night. is that

your sister? look, are you trying to take my job? maybe. technology that lets you play with the big boys. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities that's powerful. at 800-974-6006 tty/v. >> more than half a million americans run marathons every year. no one runs faster than dan berdan. he is continuing to set the

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him in your arms and gave him your father's name. [ man #2 ] when you traded the best job you ever had. for the only job you ever wanted. [ female announcer ] when it's time to make a better tomorrow -- more than 19 million people count on us. when did it become real for you? ♪ ♪

>> the thrill of the finish line. marathoners have to go 16.2 to get there. the kids have come across the finish line. the kids coming across the finish line. dan berdan running through the streets of canton. he will be making a turn. he continues to run at a pace of two hours and 26 minutes. only about 15 minutes off of the record time of the baltimore marathon. it has created a completely different atmosphere. as a family focus, attention on individual families. year 13, while there was a sense of disappointment while there was not going to be any elite

runners, this may be the best running festival we've seen. >> i love it. you might call it christmas morning by the end of this. i talked to a lot of competitive runners about, what does it mean to you that there's no elite fitness in the field? >> there's a reason why everyone wants to run new york, and why to be a boston qualifier is a big deal. at the same time, i have never picked an endurance race to run based on what kenyan was going to be in it. i picked it based on rate it was located, what the course was like. i talked to one competitive runner who said, this is more of a community run.

i can see how i stack up against the other runners like me in the community, and did not care that there was not going to be anyone of finishing this in 2:12. >> whether you find your way like dan berdan, all roads lead to camden yard and celebration village. that is where deb is standing by. you have seen a lot of families gathering in celebration village to support their runners today. >> i have a story of shutdown and not shut down. first, shut down. these are two federal workers from the department of treasury. they have not worked all week. >> that's correct. we have been running. >> being furloughed, you were able to train better? >> exactly. >> we went from mentally fit to

physically fit. >> i guess you are hoping to get back to work soon? >> absolutely. we need our checks. >> what do you think? >> wednesday, hopefully tuesday. monday is a holiday. hopefully by tuesday or wednesday. >> they call themselves the running husband and wife. they work together. they train together. >> we work together and stay fit. >> we are out here representing for the department of treasury. >> you want to see the face of the non-shutdown? sarah, turnaround. she ran with baby on board. this is the antithesis of shutdown. how are you feeling? >> i'm feeling great.

this has been wonderful. [no audio] >> deb is about to get inundated with 500 kids who are finishing the fun run. another look at dan berdan. his half split was 113. he told me earlier he had not been training as much, as hard as he wanted to, only doing 80, 90 miles a week. he's on pace, on target. >> he is ahead of the field. the field will expand exponentially coming up when the half marathon starts. ava marie as a mile 13 -- at mile 13. we join ava now live.

>> hello. ava marie here at the start of the half marathon. people starting to line up behind us. i want to talk to not only people who will be running, but the official starter of the half marathon. you have members here who are participating. >> team training is a big sports endurance program. my dad started back in 1988 when i was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two. he wanted to make a change in people's lives. when i was diagnosed with leukemia, he thought there has to be a better way to fund raise money.

they all crossed the finish line. being a part of team training has been a wonderful experience. >> you do have an injury, but members of your team will be running here as well. >> this is my director, my coach, and best friend. we're all going to be heard together, celebrating and sharing our teammates on. >> your dad had the right idea. you guys have raised a ton of money. $110,000 this year? >> yes. he's not able to run as many marathons. i more than happy to take the torch and lead everybody on. >> best of luck. you have 100 runners in team in training here today. do you have a team color? >> our main color is purple.

we support team purple. when we see everybody go by, we shout, go team. >> best of luck to you guys and have fun. i will be exciting, to get to blair that horn. -- that will be exciting, to get to blare that horn. the key thing, the temperatures are cool. the best that we can hope for right now as the runners are lining up. back to you guys. >> ava, no complaints on the weather front. they get these runners started early. i have will with me. will just finished at two years old in the fun run. >> these two are from perring hall. how did you think you did in that race?

did you achieve that goal? >> yes. >> did you achieve that goal? >> to win. >> and you won. did you run that race today because your dad is running too? how do you think you did? she did great, right mom? >> do you think i can get will to talk to me? did you have fun today? >> yes. >> i believe somebody has the runner's bug. they come in ages two to 87. kate judging from what we are seeing, everybody is having a lot of fun. >> gateway race, that's what they call it. you start them when they are two, you keep them coming back when they are 87. >> dan berdan continues to set

the pace.

♪ ♪ [ female announcer ] everyone has a moment when they say "it's real now." [ woman ] when your lifelong passion became the way you make a living. ♪ ♪ [ man ] when you still take your favorite stroll. just like you know she'd want you to. [ female announcer ] when it's time to make a better tomorrow -- more than 19 million people count on us. when did it become real for you? ♪ ♪ >> dan berdan, the track coach from garrison forest continues to set the pace.

i'm sure he's mildly confused. so is the gentleman running behind him. the gentleman running behind dan berdan got "lost" on the course and suddenly showed up. his name is robert ruiz. even those who get all -- lost on the course can't keep up with dan berdan. >> one of the reasons i love the marathon is, anyone can do it. we have seen blind runners pregnant runners. we saw two-year-old kids do the fun run. jennifer franciotti talk to a couple of guys who are truly proving that anyone can do this race. >> you here, why not?

>> that is why he will do the 5k. jerry says it does not hurt to walk, but it's not easy. hit by a car when he was four and told he would never walk after his teen years he says the folks at kennedy krieger have made all the difference. >> you don't know what it's like to have the life that i live and then come down to kennedy and have them make it possible. >> jeremy wells knows exactly what jerry means. he was paralyzed from the waist down following a motorcycle crash. >> a year ago, i wasn't even injured. if you had told me i would be in a wheelchair and doing some pann cycle marathon and raising money , i would've laughed at it. when something happens to you and it's not that you are hearing about it, a really

changes things a lot. >> two stories of thousands we have here at kennedy krieger. recovery, getting back into life. >> aaron michael works with both jeremy and jerry. 200 92 strong, 24 patients inspiring even the staff -- 292 strong, 24 patients inspiring even the staff. the money raised will go towards therapy equipment and a scholarship to get patients interested in running. >> this race is not about winning. it is about completing the race to show others who have disabilities that they can do it too. >> it's a running festival. it will certainly be in a compliment. >> jennifer franciotti, wbal-tv 11 news.

>> they say they are proving anyone with a disability can do it. they are proving anyone can do it. i first heard the story two weeks ago. i was complaining. i saw the story and said, what am i complaining about? >> dan berdan continues to set the pace, the track coach from garrison forest. a local guy has a chance to win the baltimore marathon for the first time in this race's 13- year history.

>> dan berdan has outpaced the entire marathon field. he has outpaced the guy who suddenly showed up at mile 15, apparently getting lost on the course. dustin was running with the leader for a brief period of t ime. it doesn't matter. he was disqualified. >> if you're watching this and feeling like, could i ever do this, dan berdan teaches his cross-country team. it hurts for everybody. that's the mantra he told me. >> not exactly a strong

motivation for running. when they make it to mile 16, the uphill climb continues. >> the crowd is gathering here at mile 16. we have green pom-poms. who are you cheering on? >> my husband, and our friend. >> you have a lot of people to cheer on today. >> how grateful are you that it's not pouring right now? >> i'm glad. >> were you here just a few minutes ago when dan berdan came through? >> i was not fast enough. he was running really fast. a lot of people started to realize who it was and they started ringing their kettle bells. this is nicholas.

ring your bell, nicholas! >> a lot of folks are bringing their dogs. >> this is mr. hayden. >> you live in the community and you wanted to cheer on the runners. >> absolutely. >> they come by so fast it's hard to take a look. are you confident you will find your runners? >> yes. we are in the advertising business, so they know to wear shirts or science -- signs. >> thank you very much. the excitement continues to grow. dan berdan now going what many believe is the toughest part of the course. behind him, there is no competition. our live coverage of the

>> in the crowd gathering for the start of the half marathon. a crowd of nearly 13,000 runners. it starts in waves to avoid congestion when they join the regular marathon crew at mile 1 6. as you can see, the start of the half marathon. >> remember several years ago

there were issues with the half marathon merging with the full marathon. they worked out those kinks so far. they run with the marathon for the first 2/10ths and join him later at patterson park -- them later at patterson park. >> it will merge at mile 16. it is a huge crush of bodies that has to their way into this course. the reason they don't jump right into the marathon course is because if you introduce 13,000 runners into a course, you would have gridlock, which would have an impact on the eventual marathon winner'ss. dan berdan checking over his shoulder. light rain falling.

the number two runners still not in view of her tv camera. dan berdan continues to run alone, head of the field. his pace has slowed. >> he told me this is his biggest challenge in this race mile 17 to 20 is a long, slow uphill. he said, this is where he really has to bear down and focus and get through it. perhaps he's just conserving his energy as he goes uphill. >> the women's leader is at mile 16. the woman continued to be paced by julia roman do follow -- d uvall. the 5k winner, 17-year-old from columbia in the women's race. the men's winner from fort

meade. dan berdan, you can almost feel the pain now. he is slogging uphill and has no company. i would imagine this is when the conditioning takes part and you have to cash in on that conditioning. >> is if you are at home, this is when dan berdan needs you to come out and cheer for him. as spectators can really get you over this hump. it we talked about it becomes more of a community race without the elite runners. dan berdan is number one. he is number one in the men's open division. >> he wants to be the first marathon runner to visit with deb in celebration village.

that is where she joins us now. >> some people are finished, and some people are waiting for the half marathoners. one of the folks here, heidi and her son isaiah. heidi, you are tracking your husband on your smart phone? >> yes. there is an app that will tell you when he meets certain stations. >> what is your last text? >> and said he was at 5.7 miles at 8:55. >> this is his first marathon? >> yes. >> did you sleep last night? >> he was anxious leading up to it. [no audio] >> he did most of it.

>> i did. >> how did you prepare for this today? >> i didn't really do anything. i just got up and ran. >> you did most of it yourself. >> i did. >> you have a wonderful metal to show. [no audio] >> we apologize for the technical difficulties. the rainy weather not ideal for television equipment. celebration village continues to bring together walkers and runners. >> a blind runner and his guide wherein they 5k -- were in the 5k. >> dan berdan continues to set the pace.

he is on his way to lake montebello. we will take it up with the leader, who has been alone for most of the day. if his stamina holds up, he becomes the first baltimorean ever to win the baltimore marathon.

>> dan berdan on mile 20. the good news for berdan, the course will flatten out. he has been able to maintain his lead as he stands up to the hilly course here in baltimore on his quest to 6.2 miles away before he can become the first local winner to win the baltimore marathon. we have a winner in the wheelchair category, bruce newman 1:52:34. winners now in the 5k and the kids' fun run and wheelchair competition. dan berdan trains alone, and

today he has run alone. the only close runner he had nearby was disqualified for suddenly showing up on the course at mile 15. we will continue to follow dan as he makes his way around like montebello. [ female announcer ] everyone has a moment when they say "it's real now." ♪ ♪ [ man ] when you held him in your arms and gave him your father's name. [ man #2 ] when you traded the best job you ever had.

for the only job you ever wanted. [ female announcer ] when it's time to make a better tomorrow -- more than 19 million people count on us. when did it become real for you? ♪ ♪ and when you get up -- can i play? no! you don't even get football. [ male announcer ] when you've got 100% fiber optic fios you get it. america's fastest most reliable internet. it's the ultimate for downloading streaming, and chatting. -- that guy all over the football field. thanks, joe. if the running backs don't start picking up the blitz, the quarterback is going to have a long night. is that your sister? look, are you trying to take my job? maybe. technology that lets you play with the big boys. call the verizon center for customers with disabilities that's powerful. at 800-974-6006 tty/v.

>> we have an update. he has passed 400 25 marathoners. he has raised more than $2000 for back on my feet. will check back in with you

robbie one more time. >> all times of milers, all kinds of motivations. dave being followed by two runners from pennsylvania, brian rosenberg and brian chris bell.