Thousands of runners enjoy good weather at Buffalo Marathon, Amherst teacher places first in women’s race

BUFFALO NY (WIVB) – It was a perfect weather day as more than 7,000 runners laced up their sneakers and hit the pavement for this year’s Buffalo Marathon.

Completing a marathon in two hours and 51 minutes is a personal best for Amherst High School coach Jenny Keenan. Her personal best was also enough to become the first woman to finish this year.

“Pretty fantastic!” It was an excellent course. A lot of people encourage you and motivate you to keep going,” Keenan said in an interview shortly after crossing the finish line.

“You never know who will be here on any given day and women are fantastic and can do amazing things, so I was really there to try and get a personal best today and I did that and it was more meaningful than anything else,” Keenan added.

Scott Loforte of the Rochester area finished first in the Buffalo Marathon in just under two hours and 20 minutes.

“It’s nice when hard work pays off,” he said. “You put in a lot of miles to show up and execute what you had planned for yourself, that’s always a good feeling.”

The Buffalo Marathon takes runners throughout the city. Supporters were present throughout the course to encourage the runners every step of the way.

“It helps so much. I’m also a marathon runner and I know how much it helps to have people there and of course supporting you,” said Melina Terranova, who was with a group of people near Allen Street and Delaware Avenue to encourage the runners. “This kilometer 25 is a tough moment in the race, so it’s good to get another boost of energy from the crowd.”

Joseph and Patti Deren stood on the sidelines near the finish line to be there when their daughter crossed it.

“It’s so exciting. This is her third time doing the Buffalo Marathon,” said Joseph. “We’re really happy to have a great day. We’ve always been there to support her while she’s short.