One of freed Chilean miners to run in NYC Marathon

Just weeks after being rescued from the Chilean mine, Edison Pena is taking on a new challenge--the New York City Marathon. Pena will be the race's "special guest of honor" and will also be a participant in the world's biggest foot race, according to Universal Sports. 

Pena was one of the 33 miners trapped underground in Chile for 69 days. Each day, Pena would jog through the mine's unblocked tunnels for about three to six miles. After hearing his story, race organizer Mary Wittenburg attempted to contact Pena through the Chilean consulate. Last month, she said she would love for Pena to take part in the race.

"The marathon is all about heart, determination, courage, hope and overcoming challenge," Wittenberg said. "What a perfect platform New York is to celebrate Mr. Peña, and his colleagues, who displayed all the above in a ‘marathon' way beyond any the rest of us could imagine."

The marathon is 26.2 miles long and will take place Nov. 7.

Photo courtesy of Marcos Vasconcelos Photography @ flickr.com.