On lookers wait by the finish line.
/ Lindsey Theis
Thousands of runners hit the pavement and the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach early Sunday morning.
It was the second annual running of the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon.
About 3,500 competitors ran the 13.1 mile half-marathon course from Coastal Grand Mall to Plyler Park in Myrtle Beach.
Organizers say the race means big sports tourism money for the area.
Not just local runners were competing, there were competitors from all 50 states.
"It gives a great boost to the economy," says Dana Lilly with the Myrtle Beach CVB. "Especially throughout the fall, and spring season, through the off season. It brings folks out."
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce says the average out-of-town runner brings about 3 people with them.
Mark Dickie was one of those people. He's visiting from Florida.
"Just being out here supporting the runners, my wife is running, just being here in Myrtle Beach is great. It's a great event."
