Local Athlete Wins 19th Annual Philadelphia Marathon

By Jenn Bernstein And Dan Wing

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The winner of Philadelphia's 19th Annual Marathon is from Ardmore.

Michael McKeeman came in first with an unofficial time of 2:17:50.

"I'm just so excited," said McKeeman after he finished, "I ran here six years ago and I got second, and it's been on my mind every since."

McKeeman was shy of the course record set back in 2003 by Joseph Ndertu of 2:16:47, according to marathon records.

Russia's Irina Mashkantceva finished first for the women. She crossed the finish line with an unofficial time of 2:35:35, beating the record set last year by eleven seconds.

"It's my very best time," said Mashkantceva after she won.

PHOTOS: Philadelphia Marathon 2012

Almost 30,000 race participants flooded the Parkway, as Mayor Michael Nutter gave high fives on the start line. The course wove through historic and scenic landmarks from Old City to Manayunk.

More than 60,000 people came out to cheer on race participants.

"You know what really strikes me is the enthusiasm in the crowd and the runners," said onlooker Allen Cunningham from Harrisburg, "It's fantastic."

"It was awesome out there. There was a lot of people cheering us on. It was really motivating," said runner Lynn from Hillsborough, New Jersey.

And Bill from Cherry Hill, New Jersey loved the vibe. "It was very exciting. Chestnut Street was a real a bump to our momentum going through the city."

Nearly everyone at the finish line, whether they were first year runners or seasoned pros, said they would be back again.

For the full list of race results, go to philadelphiamarathon.com.

Runners were also joined by those scheduled to run the New York City Marathon, which was canceled after Hurricane Sandy devastated the region. Philadelphia and race officials opened up 3,000 spots for folks who wanted to participate.