2020 El Paso marathon breaks records, uplifts community

EL PASO, Texas -- Running fever hit the Borderland on Sunday as the El Paso Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K finally arrived.

Although not everyone got a trophy, each runner had something to celebrate, like Adelynn Rodriguez who was the first female finisher in the 5K.

“It feels amazing," said the 12-year-old Rodriguez. "It is so hard to run here but it is beautiful. I love a good run downtown. It feels so good to be the first female in a really big race.”

Officially, the biggest winners were Anakin Hetman, who finished first in the half marathon.

“It felt really nice," said Hetman. "I kind of just focused on the race and cleared my mind during the whole thing. It was nice to come out on a Sunday and run this race.”

Not long after, Jo Morales pulled off first place in the full marathon, completing the course in almost exactly 3 hours.

El Paso also got plenty of love from outside of the Borderland as runners from 9 different nations took part in the marathon.

That included Owen Conlin, who flew in from Sydney, Australia to take part and contribute to a good cause.

“I am doing a fundraiser for a hospital in the Philippines and so far we have raised about $5,000," said Conlin.

The marathon itself operates as a non-profit and during its 14 year history, the event has been able to put nearly $300,000 back into charities around the Borderland.