Runners qualify for Boston Marathon at Durham event

Durham streets reopened Sunday after thousands of runners descended on the Bull City for the inaugural Garmin Marathon Series, a race that also served as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

More than 5,000 runners from 40 states and 17 countries participated, marking the largest first-year road race event the city has hosted, according to organizers.

City and sports leaders said the marathon gave Durham a national platform while delivering a boost to the local economy.

"It took a collective effort from the city, the county, North Carolina Central University, Duke University and the Durham Bulls," said Marcus Manning, executive director of Durham Sports. "We're extremely excited that Garmin trusted Durham to be a host site for the Garmin Marathon."

The race offered events for athletes of all levels, including a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a multi-day fitness expo. The course stretched from the American Tobacco Trail through downtown Durham and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, concluding with a post-race festival at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Local wellness coach Chan Little, a Garmin Community Champion, said races like this play a role far beyond competition.

"I get excited about races like this because it inspires others," Little said. "People see people of all shapes and sizes, colors and different demographics moving."

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Organizers also emphasized the marathon's economic impact, citing increased business for hotels, restaurants and local shops throughout race weekend.

"You can imagine the tremendous economic impact this has on our hotels, our restaurants and our small businesses," Manning said. "We couldn't be more thrilled that Durham is able to showcase what it has to offer."

Garmin officials highlighted community leaders such as Little, whose work focuses on holistic health and wellness.

"I've committed my life to serving others -- helping people be healthier mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually," Little said. "To be recognized this way feels amazing."

For many runners, the weekend marked only the beginning. Those who met qualifying standards will move on to compete in the Boston Marathon, extending Durham's reach onto one of the sport's biggest stages.