PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – With fireworks overhead, 20,000 runners from 50 states, 10 countries and six continents began their 26.2 mile trek for the 2023 Pittsburgh Marathon. An estimated 300,000 spectators lined the marathon route that took runners and hand-cyclists on a tour of the city, through 14 city neighborhoods. 4,000 volunteers helped make it happen. At 2 hours 16 minutes and eight seconds, there is a first place finisher. The winner of this year’s Pittsburgh Marathon is Tyler McCandless, from Ft Collins, Colorado. “It was awesome. There were so many spectators out there today. It is felt like a home town race. Super cool,” McCandless said. McCandless was greeted by his wife and two boys. He told us he ran the Pittsburgh Marathon in 2015 and came in 4th. “The hills are just really tough. Pretty steep, they beat you up. It’s hard to get moving. But still a great race,” McCandless said. McCandless will be taking home $7,000 in prize money.