Chilean miner Pena finishes New York City Marathon

Edison Pena, the Chilean miner who famously jogged underground while awaiting rescue, has completed the New York City Marathon.

He came in walking on a bad knee to finish the 26.2-mile (42.4-km) route in less than six hours.

Speaking just before the race, he said he wanted to inspire others, especially children, to run.

The miner, 34, was rescued last month along with 32 others from a collapsed shaft in northern Chile after 69 days.

A keen runner, he had spent his time 2,300ft (700m) underground jogging several miles every day through tunnels.

Wearing an official New York Marathon cap and with his left knee tied in black, he kept up a steady pace while surrounded by cheering supporters.

He crossed the finish line in Central Park around 1530 (2030 GMT) after starting in Staten Island at 0940.

The marathon’s men’s title was won by an Ethiopian, Gebre Gebremariam.

Another Ethiopian, marathon world record-holder Haile Gebrselassie, bowed out at the 16th mile with a knee injury.
Source: BBC