Small local marathon wins praise

C&D Run Fest gets light turnout, but runners rave about course volunteers

By CECILY CAIRNS, The News Journal

A head count of 34 wasn't exactly what Neil Semmel aspired toward when designing the inaugural C&D Canal Marathon.

But the race director made sure the day was anything but a disappointment for the 34 marathoners -- as well as 136 runners taking on shorter distances -- during last Sunday's C&D Canal Marathon Run Fest in Delaware City.

After crosscutting the state along Semmel's out-and-back course, participants were liberal with their praise of the operation.

"It was excellent," said overall marathon winner Angus Repper, an ultramarathoner and member of the Newark-based Trail Dawgs. "It was a great local event, a nice alternative to the 'megathons.'

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