Despite canceled Myrtle Beach Marathon, runners hit the road

Dozens of runners hit the snow lined streets this morning determined to not let their training go to waste despite a canceled Bi-Lo Marathon and Disani Half-Marathon.

Some even ended their runs at the marathon's designated finish line at the BB&T Coastal Federal Field.

Graham Hazelette, of Gaffney, crossed the finish line at about 8:45 a.m. after running about 10 miles. He was registered for the half-marathon.

"I've got to say it's a lot less crowded at the finish line," he joked.

Keri Olivetti, of Hilton Head, a half-marathoner also made it to BB&T Coastal Federal Field.

"When I finished – they had the finish line setup and I even received a medal! Pretty cool!," she said.

Olivetti was running the half-marathon in honor of her mother-in-law who passed away late in 2009.

Runners could be found on Grissom Parkway, Ocean Boulevard and Kingshighway running at about 7 a.m. in about 30 degree weather on either the full route or their own modified routes.

"We run every Saturday morning and today was no different," said Tony Best, of Mt. Olive, NC. "We had trained in weather like this the whole fall and winter."

This would have been Best's fourth marathon.

"My heart was broken when I heard the news," Best said. "You train so hard. This is a good course to run on. The people down here are so nice."

His running partner James Kornegay, of Mt. Olive was also disappointed.

"I understand the safety concerns of the city, but the group of runners who come down here would have run anyway like they have this morning," he said. "I wish they would have postponed their decision until this morning."

Ron Shumard, of Chicago, Illin., took a bus, plane and car to compete in Dasani half-marathon for the first time.

"Coming from Chicago we're running in this weather all the time," he said. "I was disappointed. I invested a lot in this. At first I held out hope they would postpone the race until Sunday."

The city of Myrtle Beach made the decision to cancel the marathon races Friday night over safety concerns for runners and cars on the potentially slippery roads.

The House of Blues Post race party will still be held from 4pm-7pm today. Runners will be able to pick up their medals there.

Ripley's Aquarium also is offering free admission to any runners who bring in their race bib and their families can get in for half price.