5,000 runners embark on Baltimore Marathon 2010

Alfonsi Yatich is favorite amongst men in Baltimore Marathon.

The 10th annual Under Armour Baltimore Marathon 2010 has begun in the favorable cool temperature and nice sunny weather for the runners. The starting line of Baltimore Marathon was crossed by nearly 5,000 runners at Russell and Camden Streets at 8:01 am, Saturday.

The runners are all set to get on the 26.2-mile course of Baltimore Marathon that will take a twisting route through city neighborhoods. This year's Baltimore Marathon route is same as the previous year.

Event organizers have successfully sold all four of its races, and are expecting a huge record of 22,281 runners from 25 countries and all over the U.S. to run the streets in Baltimore Marathon before the finish line gets crosses by the winner at approximately 3 pm.

Among the favorites on the men's side in Baltimore Marathon, Kenyan runners Alfonsi Yatich and Julius Keter are on the top. 26-year-old Alfonsi Yatich won the race last year and Keter, 21, is the record holder in 2008 Baltimore Marathon by finishing in 2:11:56.

The prize money for the winners of men and women in Baltimore Marathon is $23,000 for first place, while the record-breaking performances will receive up to $2,500.

[Source]