Edison Peña: Marathoner Of The Year?

The world watched his every step as Peña ran through New York’s five boroughs.

According to an article posted on Universal Sports.com, Edison Pena, the Chilean miner who ran up to six miles a day while trapped in a mine 2,3000 feet below the surface of the earth and then completed the ING New York City Marathon, deserves the honor of being the most important marathoner in 2010.

“When Peña crossed the finish line in Central Park….he became the most important marathoner of 2010 and provided a lasting image of the power of running,” writes Joe Battaglia. “We watched every step he took through the first 13 miles of the race. When the pain in his knees became too much, we wondered if he would emerge from the medical treatment tent…When he hobbled across the finish, we applauded and cheered.”

Peña’s time for the marathon was under six hours. New York Road Runner CEO Mary Wittenberg compared the Miner’s feat to an out-of-body experience. She hopes to capitalize on the experience, potentially partnering with Peña on a youth running project in Chile, similar to what the Road Runners have with Haile Gebrselassie in Ethiopia.

For More: Universal Sports