First-time participants prep for Philadelphia Marathon

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Between Saturday and Sunday, 30,000 runners will hit the streets of Philadelphia for the Rothman 8K, the half-marathon and the Goretex Philadelphia Full Marathon.

39-year-old Tom Giaquinto hit the Runner's Expo on Friday to pick up his bib. He's ready to join the 16,000 people running the full 26.2 miles this Sunday.

It will be his first marathon.

"I was a little nervous about the idea but figured I have nothing to lose, I might as well do it," said Giaquinto.

Back in May, he joined a group of new runners for a program called 'You Should Be Running.'

Kasey Manwaring of Goals Fit runs the program.

She says when they started, some could barely run a mile but now ten will be running the full marathon.

Tom lost 80 pounds while training and he credits the support of his family and the running group.

"Kasey and her group, they don't train you to work out, they make you want to work out - that's the difference," said Giaquinto.

Margot Gardner is also part of the 'You Should be Running' group.

She is also running her first marathon.

"I feel nervous but I'm really excited at the same time," said Gardner.

Manwaring has run 21 marathons. She offers this last minute advice.

"When the going gets tough, take a look around and be grateful that you are healthy enough, happy enough and confident enough to take on such a big challenge," she said.