Running miner invited to NYC Marathon

NEW YORK, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- A Chilean miner who kept fit by running up to 6 miles a day while trapped deep underground for 69 days has been invited to compete in the New York Marathon.

Edison Pena's regimen earned him the nickname "The Runner" during the time he and 32 comrades spent underground in the San Jose Mine, ABC News reports. He used the mine corridors as his jogging track.

Mary Wittenberg, president of the New York City Road Runners Club, said the group has offered Pena a trip to the city for this year's race on Nov. 7. She said he can either run in the grueling 26.2-mile event, which takes in all of New York's boroughs, or attend as a spectator.

"NYRR wanted to send a message of great support and admiration to Mr. Pena for the heart and soul and fortitude he showed every day by running in the mine," Wittenberg said.

Wittenberg said the club has been unable to contact Pena directly or the Chilean consulate in New York.

Pena also became known for singing Elvis Presley songs during his weeks in the mine and has been offered a trip to Memphis to visit the late rock 'n' roll king's home, Graceland.