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Life has changed for Broken Arrow native Danny Cahill since going on the television show "The Biggest Loser" two years ago - and not just because of the 239 pounds he lost.
Cahill has become a beacon of hope for those trying to get fit, as was evident Sunday when he was approached by strangers during the Route 66 Half Marathon.
"It just makes it all the more worthwhile," he said. "I never knew that was going to be a part of it. I was really just wanting to save my life.
"It's quite a perk. I get emails and letters every day. That's what makes me keep going."
Cahill won Season Eight of the show and has since spoken at 120 events.
"It's really a blessing to be able to be used in that way," he said. "I never knew it would turn from losing weight to changing other people's lives, too."
For Cahill, running shows how far he's come since being so overweight he struggled to get off his couch. He's since run two marathons, and Sunday was his first half marathon.
"I'm living proof of a miracle - that it's never too late to change your life," he said. "That's what's awesome about life. You can be in a really bad place and right around the corner, there's victory."
Cahill also participated in Saturday's 5k and spoke at the health expo and pasta dinner.
HERE'S YOUR SIGN As the thousands of runners wound through Tulsa streets Sunday, friends and family cheered them on from the sidewalks.
Many carried signs of encouragement, including Rusty Beck of Bristow. His sign read "I'm here to support my ex-wife." His former wife, Angela Vega, completed the Route 66 Half Marathon.
"This is the worst parade ever"
"Why do all the cute ones run away?"
"Forrest Gump ain't got nothing on you"
"It's not sweat. It's your fat cells crying!"
Entertainment throughout the course included live music from various bands and performances by the Tulsa Gypsy Fire Belly Dancers.
Three runners hospitalized During Sunday's Route 66 Marathon and Half Marathon, three runners were taken by ambulance to the hospital, a spokeswoman said. Their conditions were unknown.
Twelve participants were taken by race vehicles from the course to the finish line medical tent, and others were treated on the course and at the medical tent. Twenty-five medical personnel, eight mobile units and eight medical tents were available.
After a 27-year-old man died while running last year's Route 66 Half Marathon, mile 21 of this year's marathon was named the Marcus Takach Memorial Mile. Mile 21 runs through the University of Tulsa campus, where Takach graduated.
When he collapsed on the course, medical professionals rushed to his aid, but he died on the track from cardiac arrest.
His death was the second since the Route 66 event began six years ago. In 2008, Kjell Tovander, 21, of Claremore, died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during the Route 66 Half Marathon.
MR. CENTER OF ATTENTION After receiving his shiny sash, David Pokorny grabbed the stage microphone and shouted "Thank you, Tulsa!" to the few onlookers.
Pokorny, a native of Kirkwood, Mo., was absolutely thrilled with his latest title - Mr. Center of the Universe 2011.
He was the first runner to arrive at the Center of the Universe at First and Archer streets downtown during the Route 66 Marathon.
"I knew I wasn't going to get the time I wanted, so at that point I decided I for sure wanted to go for the Center of the Universe," Pokorny said.
The detour to the landmark added 0.3 miles to the marathon and was introduced during last year's event. Participants received a silver coin to commemorate their extra steps.
The stop, which also included free beer, was sponsored by Michelob Ultra, so it was fitting that a member of the Michelob Ultra Runners won.
Sunday was a good day for the St. Louis-based team, which finished 1-2-3 in the marathon. Repeat winner Andy Derks led the way, crossing the finish line in 2:28:33, followed by teammates Sean Birren and Bryan Glass.
For Pokorny, it was another strange title to add to his collection.
"Two years ago (team captain Jeff Bockhorn) got me into a snowshoe race in Utah (which he won)," he said. "Jeff knows it's right up my alley to do something crazy like this."
RUNNING THROUGH AMERICA Kelly Goldthorpe is pretty ambitious.
A senior at the University of Missouri, Goldthorpe is trying to complete runs in all 50 states by her 25th birthday, which is less than four years away.
"I like to travel," she said. "I figure if I do a race, I won't just drive through the state - I'll get to actually see it."
Participating in the Route 66 Half Marathon Sunday, Goldthorpe now has done races in four states. Her inspiration came from her aunt, who recently lost 60 pounds and completed a triathlon.
Goldthorpe then began the "Couch to 5k" training program and nine weeks later ran her first 5k. She's done two half marathons and is preparing for a marathon.
In the meantime, Goldthorpe has lost weight and is approaching her target loss of 50 pounds. She's visiting her aunt in Colorado this week, and the two will weigh in together while hoping to reach their respective goals.
"We're really excited to do that together," she said. "She's proud of doing it but also proud that she got me to do it."
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