Thousands hit the streets for annual Two Cities Marathon

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- This year there were two extra special runs --a memorial run for Gavin Gladding a beloved school educator who was killed after being hit by a driver. The second, a run in honor of Officer Eloy Escareno who was injured in a car crash last week.

As marathon runners crossed the finish line, between them were hundreds of students, parents, friends and community members running a mile for Gavin Gladding.

He was training for the Two Cities Marathon last month when he was hit and killed by a driver.

"It was really hard. The whole mile that's all I can think about was 'He was finishing this marathon today'. He was definitely with all of us, each and every one of us," said Fort Washington Cross Country Coach Faron Reed.

He coaches where Gladding was an Administrator brought a few of the runners to join in.

Organizers say 400 people were signed up for the memorial run.

"There were so many people that loved him and it was just good to be part of it," said Reed.

He hopes the can continue to inspire kids to enjoy running, just like Gladding.

RELATED: Family, friends gather for final farewell to Gavin Gladding

Later in the race, officers with the Fresno Police Department as well as family members of Eloy Escareno made their way down the last stretch of the marathon.

Escareno was supposed to run the half marathon but instead is recovering from a car crash that injured him and his family.

RELATED: Fresno Police officer recovering after terrible crash, concern remains for his wife

Officer Lindsay Dozier carried his shoes across the finish line.

"It feels great because he is a good friend of mine and I know he would have done it for any of us. So it feels wonderful," said Dozier.