A Massachusetts man won the Philadelphia Gore-Tex marathon for the second time, after being the winner in 2010, The Associated Press reported.

Dan Vassallo, 29, of Peabody, Massachusetts, ran fast enough to qualify for the 2016 Olympics, completing the marathon in 2:17:28 on Sunday.

The qualifying time for the Olympics is 2:18:00.

Vassallo came first in the full marathon run, and the fastest female runner was Leonora Patrina, of Bayport, New York, with an unofficial time of 2:39:58.

This was Patrina's first time in the full marathon, but she previously ran the half-marathon. Last year she completed it with a time of 1:10:53, according to Philly.com

More than 30,000 participated in the activities of the day, including a half-marathon and kids fun run.

"To qualify for the Olympic trials was a huge highlight. ... And here of all places. I love this city!" Vassallo said.

His winning time in 2010 was 2:21:36. This year's winning time was seven seconds faster than last year's winner Abebe Mekuriya.

Preparations for the event Sunday began as early as 5 a.m., with volunteers helping to set the course.

The runners began at 7 a.m. from 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the famous Rocky statue stands.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter was also present to cheer on the runners at the starting line.

"I probably slapped 10,000 hands out here today," Nutter told Philly.com. "The weather is fantastic, but what's even better is the spirit of these runners."

The half marathon winner was Kiprono Kurgat with an unofficial time of 1:03:58 or about 4:52 per mile. The female winner was Etaferahu Temesgen with an unofficial time of 1:12:48.

The marathon first began as a local event in 1994, but it has since grown to be known as one of the top 10 in the country. The name of the marathon, Gore-Tex, comes from a water-resistant and waterproof clothing company, which deals in activewear products.