Rescued Chilean miner Edison Pena completes New York City Marathon

NEW YORK - Edison Pena, the Chilean miner who was nicknamed ‘The Runner’ by his fellow miners for jogged underground while awaiting rescue, has reportedly completed the New York City Marathon.

Pena is one of the 33 Chilean miners who were rescued last month after his 69 days stay underground.

According to the BBC, he overcame knee injuries to complete the 26.2-mile (42.4-km) route in less than six hours.

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 report said.

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

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

Before the rescue, the 34-year-old miner had spent his time 2,300feet (700m) underground jogging several miles every day through tunnels.

Pe�a was first invited by New York City Marathon officials to be a guest spectator at the race until he surprised them by saying he wanted to run. (ANI)