Tobacco Road marathon gets back on trail; top finishers all from the Triangle

The Tobacco Road marathon returned on Sunday under clear, sunny skies in Cary.

In 2020, the event was canceled entirely. In 2021, it was postponed.

On Sunday, the event, which started in 2010 with about 3,400 registered runners representing 39 states, was back on track after some pandemic delays, bigger and better than ever.

”I love Tobacco Road," said Joanna Downer, "It’s one of the best races in the area."

Downer used the Tobacco Road marathon as a stepping stone to an even longer race. She's planning to run in the Umstead 100 Ultra to be held April 2 and 3 in Umstead State Park.

Almost 4,000 runners pounded out marathon and half-marathon distances, including a 20-mile stretch of the American Tobacco Trail.

"It was great to be back on the Tobacco trail, back with everyone," said Amy Pharrington.

Sunday's overall winner was John Crews, of Cary, with a time of 2:20:37. Amanda Lopiccolo, of Apex, was the first woman to cross the finish line. She ran the marathon in 2:54:13.

Samuel Monclair of Cary won the half marathon with a time of 1:07:09. Andie Cozzarelli, of Raleigh, was the first female finisher at 1:16:49.

Pharrington, who was training for a marathon last year before she was diagnosed with COVID-19, ran Sunday's half as a way to ease back into running.

"I’m excited to get back out there now that COVID is not that big of a thing anymore," she said.

The marathon not only brought benefits for the runners – exercise and a day in the sunshine – the money generated by them benefits the Town of Cary coffers. Organizers say many choose to make Cary their weekend destination, and those tax dollars help the town.