900 runners embrace rainy conditions for 47th annual Elizabeth River Run

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – A rainy start to the day did not stop nearly 1,000 runners from taking over Portsmouth on Sunday morning for the 47th annual Elizabeth River Run 10K.

Runners of all ages crossed the finish line near the Portsmouth Pavilion, greeted by crowds of cheering supporters.

10 On Your Side caught up with several runners, including Melanie Hennis and Jim Duffy, who, at age 74, completed not just the 10K but a half marathon on Saturday!

The hot, humid, and rainy conditions added an extra challenge along the course, but some enjoyed the rain.

"It was really hot and humid, but the support was great," Hennis said. "You know, you just got to embrace the suck… I mean, you can't outrun the rain!"

Many of the participants are members of the Tidewater Striders , the local running club that puts on the longstanding tradition. In addition to the main 10K event, the day featured the Crawford Street 1-Mile run for younger participants.

"So we had the mile for the kids, the Crawford Street Mile," said Thomas Hicks, president of Tidewater Striders and race director for the Elizabeth River Run. "And then we had the 10K," he explained. "This is a very competitive race, one of the most competitive races in Virginia."

The event, which drew about 900 runners, also served as a fundraiser benefiting the Children's Museum of Virginia.

"They're letting us use the city, so we wanted to get back to the city," Hicks said. "So we're giving a nice donation, funds that we raised for the race, to the Portsmouth Museum Foundation."

As for Duffy and Hennis, they encourage others to try running.

"You're never too old to start," Duffy said. "Yeah, you're never too old to start," Hennis added. "You can start walking, and then from walking, you start running…"