Waco: Top runners take over city in first-ever Silo District Marathon

The inaugural Silo District Marathon took over Waco on Sunday, bringing in thousands of athletes and spectators to Central Texas.

The marathon, hosted by "Fixer Upper" stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, raised money for cancer research, all in honor of professional runner Gabriele Grunewald.

Gabriele, who goes by the nickname Gabe, has been fighting a rare cancer since 2009, inspiring Chip to host the marathon and donate 100% of the profits to the Brave like Gabe Foundation.

The day's events featured three events: the shorter 5K run, the 13.1 mile half-marathon, and the full 26.2 mile full marathon.

Grunewald herself ran in the 5K, placing first among all female competitors and third overall with a time of 19:46.

Chip ran the full marathon wearing a tool belt, placing 180th overall with a time of 5:21:54.

Several major names in competitive running traveled to Waco to run in the race, placing high among runners from across the country and around the world.

Rodgers Gesabwa of Zacatecas, Mexico placed second overall in the full marathon with a time of 2:16:25. He was followed by fellow Zacatecas runner Christopher Chipsiya, who finished with a time of 2:16:25.

Behind Chipsiya, former McNeese State University standout Jarrett Leblanc crossed the finish line on Webster Avenue with a time of 2:22:10.

New York's Shewarge Alene Amare, who placed first overall of all female runners, crossed the line with a time of 2:38:15.

Susan Tanui, who lead a storied collegiate career at the University of Alaska Anchorage before joining the Army as a dentist, finished second among female runners with a time of 2:40:02.

A full list of runners, their finishing times, and placements can be found in the link included in this article.